PRALINE ICE CREAM CAKE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• ICE CREAM: Line a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap.
• Spread the ice cream evenly over the pan and cover the ice cream with the plastic wrap. Place the pan in the freezer and freeze about 2 hours until firm.
• PRALINES: Mix sugar, salt, evaporated milk and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until sugar dissolves.
• Stir in pecans and cook over medium heat until mixture reaches the soft ball stage. (234 to 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove pan from heat and stir rapidly until mixture thickens.
• Drop pralines by teaspoonfuls, 1-inch apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets; let cool completely until firmed up. Store in an airtight container.
• CAKE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.
• Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together. Occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the vanilla until light and frothy. With the mixer on medium-low, gradually add the egg yolk mixture to the butter and sugar mixture and mix for about 4 minutes.
• In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt together. With the mixer running, gradually add the flour and egg whites to the butter mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix. Fold in the pralines pieces and rum.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour or until golden and firm to the touch. Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
• ASSEMBLY: Remove ice cream from the freezer and slice into about ¾ inch slices.
• Place one piece of the pound cake in the center of each plate.
• Place a slice of the ice cream on top of the cake.
• Top the ice cream with the remaining piece of pound cake, forming a sandwich.
• Drizzle the entire sandwich with warm caramel sauce. Garnish each sandwich with powdered sugar.