New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract.
5. Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its gloss, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Quickly drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them into rounds.
7. Let the pralines cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per praline (approximate) | Servings: 12 servings
Tips:
Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to avoid grainy pralines.
Stir vigorously off the heat to achieve the perfect creamy texture and prevent crystallization.