Sunday, September 4, 2011

Southern Pralines


I'm a northern girl who loves her pecans. So when I learned about these cookie-candy hybrids called pralines, I knew I needed to try them. These are not difficult to make, but you do need a candy thermometer and the ability to move quickly. Once the sugar is ready, it's ready. And, unlike me, you should probably not touch the hot sugar. It's not a good idea. Anyone who has ever suffered a sugar burn will back me up on this.

Even though I burnt my finger accidentally, it didn't stop me from enjoying these little drops of pecany goodness. Do any two things go together quite like pecans and brown sugar? The molasses in the brown sugar melts in your mouth and combines with the buttery pecans... to say that these are good is an understatement.


SOUTHERN PRALINES

1 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. whole milk
6 tbsp salted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. chopped pecans

1. On a clean, easily accessible area of your kitchen counter top, set up a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Dump all ingredients into a large stock pot. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture come to a boil and reach 238-240 degrees. Once it's reached this temperature, remove from the heat immediately. Stir the syrup for about 2-3 minutes, until the boiling subsides and it seems to thicken a bit.

3. Working quickly and carefully, drop spoonfuls onto the parchment paper. Allow pralines to cool to the touch before eating.

Source: The Kitchn

This recipe is shared with Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Craft-O-Maniac, On the Menu Monday, Recipe Sharing Monday, Made by You Monday, Delectable Tuesday, Tuesday Talent Show, This Chick Cooks, Full Plate Thursday, It's a Keeper Thursday, Sweet Tooth Friday, Fresh Food Friday, Sweets for a Saturday, Sweet Indulgences Sunday

18 comments:

  1. This looks yummy! I don't think I've ever made pralines, but I really need to. They would be a huge hit in my house.

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  2. The pralines look incredible. I love pecans too. Good thing I have a candy thermometer!

    Also, that plate is beautiful.

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  3. These look super yummy. I love pecans too. I've always wanted to try pralines. I'd love for you to share these on Crazy Sweet Tuesdays on Tuesday!

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  4. Oh yum! This sounds divine, and yes, a sugar burn is awful so I will back you up, lol. Found you at Jam Hands and am now following. I do not have a candy themometer, but I will buy one to make these.

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  5. Mmmm...so sinful...I LOVE pralines! Fortunately I can't reach in and grab them, because I'd probably eat the whole plate full. And then regret it. ;) YUM!

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  6. these sound awesome I love pralines come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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  7. This look positively yummy! I need to make some now that it's Fall (sorta..LOL)!

    Sending you a blog award today:
    http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com/2011/09/makin-me-hungry-this-labor-day.html

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  8. I adore these but can't make them too often as I eat too many of them.

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

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  9. Pralines are one of my weaknesses and yours look fantastic!

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  10. A local chef calls boiling sugar "Kitchen napalm". I think he's right.

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  11. I wish I could reach right in and grab one! Abby, I love your blog.

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  12. Oooooh I've never had pralines before but LOVE pecans. So I'm guessing I would be crazy about these!

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  13. I love pralines! It's one of my favorite flavors in this world. I've never attempted to make them but it seems easy. You did a great job with these. They look beautiful! Thanks for sharing on Sweet Indulgences Sunday.

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  14. Hi Abby,
    Your pralines would be a hit here they are some of our favorite treats. Hope you are having a great week end and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come back soon!
    Miz Helen

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  15. YUMMY! These look delicious!

    Thanks so much for linking up to Tuesday Talent Show! I would love to have you stop by and link up again with more great projects!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

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  16. Sounds amazing! Your recipe is going to be featured on this week's Sweet Tooth Favorites, congrats!

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  17. This looks amazingly good! Letting you know, I'm a new follower, and I've pinned this!
    XoXoXo
    Joy

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