Old South Pralines
Old South Pralines offer a rich, sweet treat with crunchy pecans and creamy caramel flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful gift for loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large 3 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, combine sugar, soda, buttermilk, and salt.
- Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan.
- The mixture will foam up; continue stirring.
- Add butter or margarine and 2 cups of pecan halves.
- Over medium heat, cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides of the pan until the candy reaches the soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Beat with a spoon until thick and creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a sheet of aluminum foil or waxed paper.
- Let the pralines cool completely.
- Decorate with remaining pecan halves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure your saucepan is heavy-bottomed to prevent scorching. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Stir constantly while cooking to achieve a smooth praline. Adding a pinch of vanilla extract at the end can enhance the flavor of your pralines.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a delightful treat for gatherings or as a sweet gift. Serve them on a platter alongside coffee or tea, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They can also complement Southern dishes like Goober Pound Cake or be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture. To reheat, simply allow them to come to room temperature, as reheating can cause them to become sticky.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old South Pralines contains roughly 63 calories, with 2g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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
Why did my pralines not set properly?
If your pralines didn't set, it may be due to not reaching the soft ball stage during cooking. Make sure to use a candy thermometer or test by dropping a spoonful into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it's ready. Alternatively, humidity can affect setting, so try to make them on a dry day.
Can I make these pralines without pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that each nut has its unique taste and texture, which will slightly alter the final product. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
How can I tell when the mixture is ready to beat?
The mixture is ready to beat when it thickens and begins to lose its gloss, usually after cooling for about 2 minutes. A good indicator is that it should hold its shape when dropped from a spoon. If it's too runny, it may need more time to cool or may require cooking longer.
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).