Aunt Lisbet'S Pralines
Aunt Lisbet's Pralines offer a rich, sweet treat with butterscotch and pecan flavors, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir all ingredients except pecans over low heat in a heavy 2-quart saucepan until sugar dissolves.
- Add pecans, cook and stir to a full boil all over, then lower heat and boil slowly 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat, beat by hand until candy begins to thicken.
- Drop by spoonful onto waxed paper.
- Set aside to cool and finish hardening.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk can be used, but it may affect the texture slightly. Stirring constantly is key to preventing burning, and using a candy thermometer can help ensure you reach the soft ball stage accurately.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a delightful treat on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving them alongside Helen'S Pecan Pie for a nutty dessert spread or as a sweet addition to a holiday dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they become too hard, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften, but be careful not to melt them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Lisbet'S Pralines contains roughly 943 calories, with 7g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, while pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to chop them to a similar size to maintain texture in the pralines.
What should I do if my pralines don't harden?
If your pralines don't harden, it may be due to not reaching the soft ball stage during cooking. You can try reheating the mixture gently and cooking it a bit longer until it thickens before dropping it onto waxed paper again.
How can I add flavor variations to my pralines?
Experimenting with extracts like vanilla, almond, or even a touch of maple can enhance the flavor of your pralines. Just add a teaspoon or two during the cooking process for a delicious twist!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).