Texas Patience
Sweet, nutty, and creamy, Texas Patience offers a delightful treat with caramelized flavors and crunchy pecans, perfect for indulging or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, Karo syrup, and evaporated milk in a heavy boiler.
- Cook over medium heat until it reaches the soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat; add butter and vanilla.
- Cool for 10 minutes.
- Beat with a mixer until it loses its gloss.
- Add chopped nuts.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the perfect consistency, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature as you cook the mixture, aiming for the soft ball stage (234-240°F). If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the nuts with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. For a hint of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the butter.
Serving Suggestions
These Texas Patience candies are delightful as a sweet treat at gatherings or served alongside coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with Cloverleaf Potato Rolls for a perfect brunch spread. For a festive touch, consider placing them in decorative tins as gifts during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their texture, avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause them to harden. If you need to reheat them, place them in a microwave for a few seconds, just enough to soften without melting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Patience contains roughly 1668 calories, with 11g protein, 248g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
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 a different type of syrup instead of Karo?
Yes, you can substitute Karo syrup with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and consistency may vary slightly, so adjust the recipe as needed.
What can I do if my mixture doesn't reach the soft ball stage?
If your mixture hasn't reached the soft ball stage, return it to the heat and continue to cook while stirring. A candy thermometer can help ensure you reach the correct temperature. If you don't have one, test by dropping a small amount into cold water to check if it forms a soft ball.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate flavors like almond extract or even a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Just remember to balance the added ingredients with the existing ones to maintain the right texture and sweetness.
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).