Mama’s Pralines
Experience the rich, nostalgic flavor of traditional Southern pralines. These candies feature a luscious, creamy center that melts in your mouth, balanced by the robust crunch of whole pecans. Made with a blend of dark and white sugars, evaporated milk, and a touch of vanilla, they offer a sophisticated caramel profile without being overly sweet. Perfect for holiday gift-giving, Christmas cookie exchanges, or simply as an indulgent treat with afternoon coffee. The key is mastering the temperature to achieve that signature soft, fudgy consistency rather than a hard candy shell. These homemade gems capture the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite, making them a cherished favorite for any occasion.
Description
Experience the rich, nostalgic flavor of traditional Southern pralines. These candies feature a luscious, creamy center that melts in your mouth, balanced by the robust crunch of whole pecans. Made with a blend of dark and white sugars, evaporated milk, and a touch of vanilla, they offer a sophisticated caramel profile without being overly sweet. Perfect for holiday gift-giving, Christmas cookie exchanges, or simply as an indulgent treat with afternoon coffee. The key is mastering the temperature to achieve that signature soft, fudgy consistency rather than a hard candy shell. These homemade gems capture the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite, making them a cherished favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 Tbsps. margarine
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 2 cups whole pecans
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup very cold water (to test "hard-ball" stage)
- 1 tsp. oil (for cookie sheets)
Directions
- 1 In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, margarine, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
- 2
Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over a medium-low flame until the mixture reaches a low boil.- 3
Stir the bottom and sides continuously to prevent burning. Cook for about 4 minutes or until the mixture reaches the "hard-ball" stage.- 4
To test for the hard-ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture into a cup of very cold water. It should form a firm ball that holds its shape but is still slightly pliable. Alternatively, use a candy thermometer to check if the mixture reaches 260 degrees F.- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.- 6
Beat the mixture briskly with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. The mixture will cool, thicken, and become creamy.- 7
Prepare large pieces of waxed paper, aluminum foil, or oiled cookie sheets.- 8
Drop 2 or 3 pecans onto the prepared surface, then spoon a tablespoon of the warm mixture over the pecans for each praline.- 9
Continue until all the mixture has been used.- 10
Let the pralines cool thoroughly until firm.- 11
Store in airtight containers.NoteYields approximately forty 2-inch pralines, serving about 10 people.
For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy when testing the hard-ball stage.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming too hard or too soft.
You can substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.
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