Mardi Gras Pecan Pralines (Print version)
Toasted pecans enveloped in rich caramel for a creamy Southern confection.
# What you need:
→ Praline Base
01 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Flavor & Nuts
06 - 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ready them for the hot praline mixture.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until butter melts and mixture comes to a boil.
03 - Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Continue stirring and cook until the mixture reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage), about 8–10 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat; immediately stir in pecan halves and vanilla extract. Continue stirring vigorously by hand for 2–3 minutes, until mixture thickens and becomes creamy but is still pourable.
05 - Quickly drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to prevent sticking.
06 - Allow pralines to cool and set completely at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving or storing.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- These pralines capture that perfect moment between crystallized sugar and creamy fudge that makes Southern candy so addictive
- The toasted pecans add such incredible depth that even people who swear they do not like pecans change their minds after one bite
02 -
- Candy making rewards precision and patience more than almost any other kitchen endeavor I have encountered
- The difference between 236°F and 240°F determines whether you get creamy pralines or hard candy that could crack a tooth
- Humidity affects candy making more than you might expect, so rainy days might require slightly different cooking times
03 -
- If your mixture seizes and turns grainy, add a tablespoon of hot water and stir like your life depends on it to save the batch
- A splash of bourbon with the vanilla adds something deeply Southern that adults will absolutely love