Teresa's Recipes
Southern Pralines
Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of Southern pralines, a beloved treat that dates back to the 19th century. Originating from the French, these delightful confections have become a staple in Southern cuisine, known for their creamy texture and crunchy pecans. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors, offering a taste of nostalgia and comfort. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these pralines are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 2 cups, chopped Pecans
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter
- 2 cups, packed Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 18g
Instructions
- Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the packed brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt to the melted butter. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and reaches a soft ball stage (approximately 235°F or 112°C on a candy thermometer).
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let the pralines cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they harden completely before serving.
Tips
- For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Ensure that you work quickly when dropping the pralines onto the baking sheet, as the mixture will start to harden as it cools.