Imperial Sugar'S Canefest Pralines
Imperial Sugar's Canefest Pralines are rich, sweet confections with a buttery pecan flavor, perfect for holiday treats or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt in a 3 1/2-quart heavy saucepan.
- Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 210°F on a candy thermometer, stirring often and scraping the bottom.
- The mixture will foam up during cooking.
- Add margarine and pecans to the mixture.
- Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping the sides and bottom of the pan until the candy reaches 234°F (soft-ball stage) on the candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Beat with a spoon until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Drop a tablespoon of the mixture onto a sheet of waxed paper or aluminum foil.
- Let the pralines cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best results, ensure your candy thermometer is calibrated correctly to avoid misreading temperatures. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Stirring constantly is key to prevent burning. If the mixture starts to crystallize, you can add a tablespoon of water and continue cooking until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a delightful treat on their own, but they also pair beautifully with Allgood Whipped Cream Pound Cake for a decadent dessert. Consider serving them alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. They can also be crumbled over ice cream for an extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to regain their texture. Avoid moisture, as it can affect the pralines' consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imperial Sugar'S Canefest Pralines contains roughly 27 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 622mg per serving (27% 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
What should I do if my pralines don't set properly?
If your pralines are too soft after cooling, they may not have reached the correct temperature. Try reheating the mixture gently and cooking it to 234°F again. If they are too hard, they may have cooked too long; you can melt them down slightly and reshape them.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that each nut has its own unique taste and texture, so the final pralines will vary slightly. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor.
Is it necessary to use a candy thermometer?
Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended for this recipe, as it ensures precise temperature control. However, if you don't have one, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it's ready to be removed from heat.
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).