Here’s a traditional recipe for Southern-style pralines, known for their rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugars are dissolved and the mixture begins to boil.
- Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer (about 235°F to 240°F or 113°C to 116°C). This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
- Once the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the pecan halves and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and begins to hold its shape.
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each praline.
- Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature until firm.
- Once cooled and set, store the pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Enjoy your homemade Southern-style pralines!