SOUTHERN PECAN CANDY

Southern Pecan Candy image

Unlike traditional pralines, this recipe is spread in a pan, then cut into squares. It is loaded with pecans and has the same sweet taste as pralines. The candy was in my mother's recipe collection and dates back to 1941.-June Moffett, Santa Ana, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield about 2 pounds.

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 teaspoon butter plus 1/4 cup butter, cubed
3 cups sugar, divided
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound chopped pecans, toasted

Steps:

Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and grease the foil with 1 teaspoon butter; set aside. In a large heavy skillet over medium-low heat, cook 1 cup sugar until melted. Do not stir. Reduce heat to low; cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown., In a large saucepan, combine cream and remaining sugar. Slowly pour in cooked sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 236° (soft-ball stage). Transfer to a large bowl; stir in butter and baking soda. Cool until mixture reaches 110°., Add vanilla. Beat until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in pecans. Quickly spread into prepared pan; cool completely. Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Discard foil. Store candy in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 194 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 20mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.