A rich, Southern, crunchy, candy-coated dream!
As a rule, Im more inclined to go for the salty than the sweet.
In fact, Im not much for candy in general, but anything with sugar and nuts is tempting.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
And if the nuts happen to be pecans, well, get out of the way.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
What Are Pralines?
Candied nuts have been around for ages, but the praline is generally considered to hail from France.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
How To Make Pralines
Back home in Alabama, pecans are easy to come by.
When I moved to Tucson, imagine my delight when I discovered pecan groves thriving in the desert!
There are as many different ways to make pecan pralines as there are ways to pronounce them.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Some traditional recipes call for evaporated milk, while others use cream, regular milk, or even buttermilk.
Some people prefer chopped pecans instead of pecan halves, and some like to lightly toast the nuts first.
you could make them with or without vanilla, or add your favorite liqueur.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Keep in mind that these are candy, not cookies, and they are very sweet.
Do you have a favorite recipe for, or a favorite memory of, pecan pralines?
Pralines ship very well, so they make a good care package gift!
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Mastered Pecan Candy?
Wear long sleeves to protect your arms from stray candy bubbles.
Sugar burns are painful, so take care, especially with children around.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Traditional Southern recipes say never make these on a rainy day!
This is an optional step, which gives the nuts a richer, nuttier flavor.
Place pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast for 10 minutes, turning once.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat and set aside.
Stir in light cream and place over medium to medium-high heat.
Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture reaches 235F on a candy thermometer (about 25 minutes).
Off the heat, stir in the brandy or vanilla, if using, and pecans until well coated.
Continue stirring to cool slightly (about 30 seconds).
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Let cool completely until the pralines lift easily from the pan (about 45 minutes).
Store in an airtight container for three to five days.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
