Best Easy Butterscotch Almond Pralines Recipes

PRALINES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• In large saucepan over medium heat, combine pecans, sugar, butter, brown sugar, milk and vanilla. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface.
• Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Let cool completely.

ALMOND PRALINE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place almonds on a baking sheet, and toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and set aside to cool.
• Butter a 10-by-15-inch rimmed baking sheet. Spread toasted almonds in an even layer on pan. Place sugar and water in a medium saucepan; stir to combine. Place over medium-high heat; bring to a boil, brushing down sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystals from forming. Once sugar is dissolved, cook without stirring until sugar is deep amber. Add lemon juice; immediately pour over almonds, coating with a thin layer. If caramel doesn't cover all the nuts, tilt pan slightly to distribute, or stir in nuts with a wooden spoon, being careful not to touch caramel or hot pan. Cool completely. Gently twist pan to release praline. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

SOUTHERN PRALINES

Steps:

• In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cream, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 230° (thread stage), stirring occasionally., Carefully stir in pecans and butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 236° (soft-ball stage)., Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon until candy thickens and begins to lose its gloss, about 4-5 minutes. , Quickly drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper; spread to form 2-in. patties. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.

MICROWAVE PRALINES

Steps:

• Line two baking sheets with waxed paper; set aside. In a microwave-safe 2-qt. bowl, combine the sugars, water, corn syrup and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes; stir until sugar is dissolved. Cook 1-2 minutes longer or until a candy thermometer reads 234° (soft-ball stage), stirring after each minute., Add pecans and vanilla; stir just until mixture starts to thicken, about 1 minute. Working quickly, drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared pans. Flatten slightly. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.

PUDDING PRALINES

Steps:

• Mix butterscotch pudding (not instant) sugar, brown sugar, milk and butter in a heavy 1 1/2 quart pan.
• Cook and stir to a full all over boil.
• Then boil slowly 3-5 minutes.until mixture reaches soft ball stage.
• Remove from heat.stir in pecans.beat until mixture begins to thicken, but still looks shiny.
• Drop tblsful of mixture onto waxed paper to form 3" pralines.
• If mixture thickens and starts to loose its shine, add a few drops of milk before dropping more.
• Let pralines stand till firm.

ALMOND PRALINE

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with foil. In a dry heavy saucepan cook sugar over moderately low heat, stirring slowly with a fork (to help sugar melt evenly), until melted and pale golden. Cook caramel, without stirring, swirling pan, until deep golden. Add almonds, stirring until coated well, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Working quickly, with a metal spatula spread mixture onto foil about 1/4 inch thick and cool until set, about 3 minutes. Chill praline on foil until hard, about 15 minutes. Chop praline. Praline may be made 1 week ahead and kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.