Southern Pecan Pralines

         Truly a treat brought from the south to be shared all over. I would love to keep this one to myself, however, I absolutely need to share all the goodness with all of you. Partly cookie and part candy, brown sugar and pecans that almost melt in your mouth.

            To make these, you would simply do the same as you would for making simple fudge. When you are finished making them, you will put spoonfuls of the mix onto parchment paper and they will spread out on their own.

            Those who make these on a regular basis, I am sure each have their own variation as to how they are done. It would depend on just who you ask. These Pecan Pralines range from chewy to brittle like peanut brittle. I had to play around with the recipe to get it exactly the way I like them. That would be somewhere in between the crunchy and super chewy.

            Most of the ingredients are common between all the variations, those would be heavy cream, pralines, brown sugar and butter.

            Once you make these successfully, you will not ever want to buy the Pecan Pralines from the store or bakery. These may seem difficult to make when you read the recipe and directions, but trust me if you follow the directions, these are not a challenge at all.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Should I use a candy thermometer?

Just as though you are making most candies, a Candy thermometer is a necessity. If you do not have the correct temperature, your Praline Pecans will not turn out.

            What do I do if my Praline Pecans do not turn out?

I always make sure that I have plenty of the ingredients available. That way if I have to try it again, I am prepared.

            How fast do they harden?

When you are scooping, you will have to do it quickly. These candies will begin to harden very quickly.

What do you need for Southern Pecan Pralines

            2 cups of Pecans, halved

            8 tbsp unsalted butter

            1 tsp vanilla extract

            4 cups granulated sugar

            1 can of evaporated milk

How to make Southern Pecan Pralines

FIRST STEP:

In a saucepan over medium heat, put the butter, sugar and evaporated milk in and stir

a)

b)

Using a whisk, stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolved.

a)

b)

SECOND STEP:

Continue to cook until it begins to have a low boil

Continue using the whisk to stir, until the mixture reaches a temperature of 235*. Even if you are impatient, do not raise the temperature of the stove any higher than medium.

THIRD STEP:

Remove the pan from the stove when the temp is achieved and allow to cool

Whisk the mix once every few minutes until it begins to lose the glossy shine and begins to thicken.

FOURTH STEP:

Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine

Add the pecan halves and stir to incorporate

FIFTH STEP:

Using a cookie scoop, drop by the scoopful onto a sheet of parchment paper

You can place these in the refrigerator to cool faster or let them sit on the counter and harden.

Enjoy!