CREAMY PRALINES-BY DIANA RATTRAY, ABOUT.COM

CREAMY PRALINES-BY DIANA RATTRAY, ABOUT.COM image

Yield 2 dozen pralines

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup half-and-half
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups pecans coarsely broken up
dash of salt

Steps:

Boil 3 cups of sugar with the half-and-half in a large saucepan until a small amount forms a soft ball when dropped into very cold water, about 236° on a candy thermometer. Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 cup sugar in heavy skillet, stirring constantly over medium-low heat until it reaches the brown caramel stage. When both mixtures are ready, carefully add caramel sugar to first mixture, stirring with a long wooden spoon. Test for soft ball and when done, remove from heat and cool to lukewarm. Add vanilla, nuts and salt, and beat until creamy and stiff. Drop onto buttered wax paper. Let cool; remove from wax paper. Store in tightly covered container. Makes about 2 dozen pralines.