Pecan Pralines

Ingredients

2 cups pecan halves and pieces

3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

1 cup whipping cream

¼ cup butter

2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (see Maple syrup recipe)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Wax paper

Instructions

1.       Preheat oven to 350F.

2.       Bake pecan in a single layer in a shallow pan for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

3.       Cool Completely ( about 15 minutes)

4.       Meanwhile, bring brown sugar and next 3 ingredients to a boil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium high heat, stirring constantly.

5.       Boil, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes or until a candy thermometer registers 236 degrees (soft ball stage).

6.       Remove sugar mixture from heat.

7.       Let sugar mixture stand until candy thermometer reaches 150 degrees (20 to 25 mixtures).

8.       Stir in vanilla and pecans using wooden spoon; stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes or just until mixture begins to lose its gloss.

9.       Quickly drop by heaping tablespoonful onto wax paper; let stand until firm (10 to 15 minutes).

Try these twists!

Chocolate-Pecan Pralines: Prepare as directed through step 2. Add 2 (1 oz) unsweetened chocolate baking squares to sugar mixture. (Do not stir) Proceed as directed in step 3.

Café au Lait Pecan Pralines: Add 2 tablespoon instant coffee granules with brown sugar in Step 2.