Big Mama'S Pralines
Big Mama's Pralines are rich, sweet confections with crunchy pecans and creamy syrup, perfect for satisfying Southern dessert lovers and nut lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a syrup with 3 1/2 cups of sugar, canned milk, and a pinch of salt, bringing it to a boil.
- While the syrup is coming to a boil, put the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a pan and cook until it is light in color.
- Add the hot syrup mixture to the browned sugar while stirring, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat when the mixture forms a ball in cold water.
- Beat the mixture until creamy, then fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your sugar is completely dissolved in the syrup before adding it to the browned sugar for the best texture. If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts for pecans or use evaporated milk for a richer flavor. Keep an eye on the mixture while beating; overbeating can result in a grainy texture. For an interesting twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a delightful treat on their own or can be paired with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Crispy Ginger Snaps during the holidays. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can alter their texture. If you need to reheat them, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Mama'S Pralines contains roughly 1550 calories, with 24g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
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
How can I tell when the syrup is ready?
The syrup is ready when it starts to thicken and reaches a soft ball stage, which you can test by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a ball that holds its shape but is still soft, it's good to go. Using a candy thermometer can help you achieve the perfect consistency.
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).