June 24th is National Pecan Praline Day! To celebrate, whip up a quick batch of this sweet, delicious treat.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to use a heavy non-glass pot, like a Dutch oven or cast iron pan, and a candy thermometer. Like frizzy hair, pralines do not like humidity, so be sure to make them when the weather is dry, and the skies are blue!
Pecan Praline Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves and pieces
- 3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Wax paper
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool completely (about 15 minutes).
2. Bring brown sugar and next 3 ingredients to a boil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes or until a candy thermometer registers 236° (soft ball stage). Remove sugar mixture from heat.
3. Let sugar mixture stand until candy thermometer reaches 150° (20 to 25 minutes). Stir in vanilla and pecans using a wooden spoon; stir constantly 1 to 2 minutes or just until mixture begins to lose its gloss. Quickly drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto wax paper; let stand until firm (10 to 15 minutes).
Variations:
Bacon Maple Pralines: During Step 3, add 2 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon and instead of the vanilla, 1 tsp of maple extract to the recipe.
Chocolate-Pecan Pralines: Prepare as directed through Step 2. Add 2 (1-oz.) unsweetened chocolate baking squares to sugar mixture. (Do not stir.) Proceed as directed in Step 3.
Café au Lait Pecan Pralines: Add 2 Tbsp. instant coffee granules with brown sugar in Step 2.
Bourbon-Pecan Pralines: Add 1/4 cup bourbon with brown sugar in Step 2.
Photo and recipe credit, MyRecipes.com
