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Southern Pecan Pralines

several pecan pralines on a plate

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Learn how to make Southern pralines, a classic candy with a delicious caramel flavor and a crunchy pecan-filled center. They’re irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, for the pan
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk (or half-and-half)
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Have all ingredients ready and place a sheet of wax paper or parchment on the counter.
  2. Butter the sides (inside) of a large, heavy saucepan. Attach a candy thermometer.
  3. Add the sugars, milk, corn syrup, and salt to the pan and place it over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it comes to a full boil, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 236 F on a candy thermometer. Or test for soft ball stage.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter and vanilla without stirring, and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Add the pecans and stir vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the mixture appears to thicken and begins to lose its glossiness.
  6. Working quickly, spoon the candy onto the paper and let it cool until firm. If the mixture firms up too much, add a splash of hot water and place it back over the still-warm burner and stir until it loosens up again. Continue dropping onto the paper.
  7. Let the pralines cool until firm.
  8. Enjoy!

Notes

How to Test for Soft-Ball Stage

Drop a small amount of the boiled mixture into cold water. If the candy is ready, it will form a small ball that will flatten slightly when picked up on a finger. If not, continue boiling and check again.