why make this recipe
Pralines are a delightful treat that brings a taste of the South to your kitchen. These sweet, nutty candies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a personal indulgence. They are easy to make, require just a few simple ingredients, and have a rich, caramel flavor that is hard to resist. Making pralines is a fun and rewarding experience that will fill your home with wonderful aromas and create sweet memories.
how to make pralines
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons real butter
- 1 ½ cup pecans, rough chopped
Directions:
- Lay out wax paper and a tablespoon on your countertop before getting started on the pralines.
- Combine all the ingredients in a 4-quart saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring often until the butter is melted and the sugars are dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-high. Let it boil for exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
- After 3 minutes of boiling and stirring, remove the pot from the heat. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Drop spoonfuls onto the wax paper and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container. This recipe makes 12-14 pralines.
how to serve pralines
Pralines can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. Serve them on a plate for guests or pack them in a decorative box to give as gifts. They pair nicely with coffee or tea and can bring a delightful crunch to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
how to store pralines
To keep your pralines fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about one week. Avoid exposing them to heat or humidity, as this can affect their texture.
tips to make pralines
- Make sure to measure all your ingredients accurately to ensure the best results.
- Stir constantly while boiling to prevent the sugar from burning.
- If you want softer pralines, you can shorten the boiling time by a minute or so.
variation
You can customize your pralines by adding other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor. You can also mix in a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I use different nuts for pralines?
Yes, you can use any nuts you like, such as almonds or walnuts, if you don’t have pecans.
2. What can I do if my pralines are too soft?
If they are too soft, you can return them to the heat and boil them for another minute or two, stirring constantly.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but it is best to make two separate batches to ensure even cooking and consistency.
Southern Pralines
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 pralines 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful sweet and nutty pralines that bring a taste of the South to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons real butter
- 1 ½ cup pecans, rough chopped
Instructions
- Lay out wax paper and a tablespoon on your countertop before getting started on the pralines.
- Combine all the ingredients in a 4-quart saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring often until the butter is melted and the sugars are dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-high. Let it boil for exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
- After 3 minutes of boiling and stirring, remove the pot from the heat. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Drop spoonfuls onto the wax paper and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
