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The Spruce / Emily Baker
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving) | |
---|---|
278 | Calories |
14g | Fat |
37g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 20 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 278 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 14g | 19% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 19% |
Cholesterol 13mg | 4% |
Sodium 16mg | 1% |
Total Carbohydrate 37g | 14% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 5% |
Protein 2g | |
Calcium 50mg | 4% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
New Orleans-style pralines are sweet and nutty confections of sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and pecans. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they are also super easy to make candies. Pecans, butter, and brown sugar are the main ingredients for these delectable candies.Â
The method for making these pralines is similar to making basic fudge, but they are spooned onto waxed or parchment paper to make small free-form patties. Simply combine and boil the candy ingredients to the soft-ball stage, stir in the nuts, then form and let set. Don't let any technical candy-making terms deter you. The only equipment you need is a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the ingredients.
You might be surprised to know that pralines and other types of fudge and caramels freeze well, so these pralines can give you a head start on any holiday candy making. They are also a sweet treat you can enjoy year-round.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (chilled)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed, dark or light)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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Lay an 18-inch sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper on the countertop.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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Cut the butter into small pieces. Place the pieces of butter on a plate and put the plate in the freezer while you heat the ingredients.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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In a heavy medium saucepan, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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Place the pan over medium heat, whisk to blend, and cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage or 235 F when measured with a candy thermometer.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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Immediately remove the pan from the burner and stir in the frozen butter with a wooden spoon.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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Add the pecans and vanilla and continue stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture is no longer shiny and thickens but is not too stiff. The candy should spread slightly when you spoon it onto the paper.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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Use a tablespoon to spoon mounds of the candy onto the waxed paper or parchment, making sure that there are pecans in each praline.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
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Let the candy stand at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes.
The Spruce / Emily Baker
How to Store and Freeze
- For gift-giving, individually wrap the pralines in cellophane wrappers or arrange them in a decorative tin with sheets of waxed paper separating the layers.
- Store the pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks.
- Freeze pralines for up to three months in airtight containers lined with waxed paper. Separate the layers with waxed paper or wrap the individual pralines.
Recipe Variations
- Other nuts can be substituted for the pecans in these pralines, such as pistachios, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds, but it's the pecan nut that distinguishes these sweets as a Southern treat.
- Replace the evaporated milk with half-and-half or light cream.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the candy mixture for deeper flavor.
How Long Does It Take for Pecan Pralines To Harden?
Depending on the mixture and the temperature of your kitchen, pecan pralines will harden in anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour an a half. On average, they will take about 30 minutes to harden.
Are Praline Pecans the Same as Candied Pecans?
Pecan pralines are a cluster candy made with sugar, butter, and milk or cream. They are very sweet and tender. Candied pecans are nuts coated in a butter and sugar mixture and baked until lightly caramelized. The mixture leaves a thin coating on the individual nuts resulting in a lightly sweet, crunchy snack.
Should You Refrigerate Pralines?
There is no need to refrigerate pecan pralines. They will keep for about three weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
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