Best Sherry Orleans Pralines Recipes

NEW ORLEANS-STYLE PRALINES

Steps:

• Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Have 2 small spoons ready for scooping. Bring the cream, sugar, corn syrup and orange zest to a gentle simmer in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally with a whisk or wooden spoon (do not let the cream mixture boil over). Simmer, stirring, until the mixture is thickened and light brown in color and a candy thermometer registers 240 degrees F (soft-ball stage), 20 to 30 minutes (start by stirring occasionally, then switch to stirring constantly when the mixture starts to stick to the bottom of the pan). Stir in the pecans and salt; the temperature will drop at least 5 degrees F to 10 degrees F.
• Continue to simmer, stirring, until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan (the thermometer should register 246 degrees F to 247 degrees F). To test for doneness, drop a quarter-size amount onto a prepared baking sheet: The mixture should hold a rounded shape and look dull; if it runs out flat, continue cooking.
• Use the small spoons to spoon about quarter-size mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Let sit until cool, set and dry, 30 minutes to 1 hour. If the pralines are still too soft to pick up after a few hours, let them sit in a cool, dry place, uncovered, for 1 or 2 days. Once dry, store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

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.

SHERRY CREAM PRALINES

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients, except sherry, thoroughly in a heavy saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat to soft ball stage (236 degrees on candy thermometer) stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• When mixture stops bubbling, stir in sherry. Cool slightly, then beat until mixture begins to thicken.
• Drop candy onto waxed paper or buttered baking sheet to form patties.
• If candy becomes too stiff at the last to drop into smooth patties, stir in a little hot water.
• Makes about 20 two-inch patties.
• Note: Mixture may also be dropped by spoonfuls into fluted paper cups, then placed in small muffin tins, if desired.

SHERRY ORLEANS PRALINES

Steps:

• Mix first four ingredients in a heavy saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat to soft ball stage (236F) stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat. When mixture stops bubbling, stir in sherry. Cool slightly. Then beat mixture until it thickens slightly.
• Drop candy from a tablespoon onto waxed paper to form patties. If candy becomes too stiff, drop in a few drops of hot water.

SOUTHERN SOUR-CREAM PRALINES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in granulated and brown sugars, salt, and sour cream. Raise heat to medium-low, and cook, whisking frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Raise heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping sides of pan with a spatula, until mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (240 degrees), 10 to 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Carefully stir in bourbon and vanilla (mixture will steam and bubble). Let cool, without stirring, for 2 minutes. Add pecans, and beat vigorously with a spoon until slightly opaque but still creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet. (If mixture in pan begins to harden, stir in 1 teaspoon hot water, as often as needed; if it becomes runny, stir until firm.) Let stand until set, about 30 minutes.