Fr. John'S Pralines
Creamy, nutty pralines with a rich caramel flavor, perfect for sweet tooths and special occasions, combining sugar, pecans, vanilla, and buttery goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, soda, milk, and Karo syrup in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla, butter, and pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For the perfect pralines, ensure your mixture reaches the soft ball stage, which is about 235°F on a candy thermometer. If you want a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the pecans with walnuts. Keep an eye on the mixture as it cooks, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce cooking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. They also pair beautifully with Betty'S Luscious Lemon Bars for a sweet dessert platter. For a unique twist, try crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for an added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to prevent stickiness. To enjoy them later, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fr. John'S Pralines contains roughly 1366 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g 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
What should I do if my pralines are too soft?
If your pralines don't set properly, it may be because the mixture didn't reach the right temperature. You can try reheating the mixture gently and cooking it a bit longer until it reaches the soft ball stage again. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid burning.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can swap them for other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor slightly, so choose ones that complement your taste preference.
How can I make these pralines more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider mixing in some dried fruits or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before they set. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pralines for an elegant finish, perfect for special occasions.
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).