Pralines(Club Member: Ashley Wilson)
Sweet and crunchy pralines with toasted pecans and caramelized sugar, perfect for satisfying candy cravings or sharing as a decadent treat with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly butter a sheet of aluminum foil and set aside.
- Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, light cream, and salt in a large saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 228°F on a candy thermometer.
- Stir in butter and pecan halves.
- Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 236°F.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it is slightly thickened.
- Drop spoonfuls of the candy onto the buttered foil to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfect pralines, ensure your candy thermometer is calibrated, as precise temperature is crucial. If you don’t have light cream, half-and-half can be a suitable substitute. Stir continuously to prevent burning, and consider adding a pinch of vanilla extract for extra flavor. To make them even more decadent, try incorporating a sprinkle of sea salt on top before they set.
Serving Suggestions
Pralines are delightful on their own but can also be served with coffee or tea for a comforting treat. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or can be crumbled over desserts like Linda'S Peach Cake for added texture and flavor. Consider presenting them as gifts during the holidays for a sweet surprise.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness, although this may slightly alter their texture. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pralines(Club Member: Ashley Wilson) contains roughly 319 calories, with 1g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1767mg per serving (77% 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
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Each nut will give a different flavor profile, but they all work well with the sweetness of the pralines. Just ensure the nuts are chopped or halved to maintain the texture.
What should I do if my pralines don't set?
If your pralines don’t set, it may be due to not reaching the right temperature. You can try reheating the mixture and cooking it a little longer to reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into a pan and refrigerate it to help it firm up.
Can I make pralines ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pralines can be made a few days in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They also make for great gifts, so consider making a big batch for special occasions or as sweet treats for friends.
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).