Georgia Pecan Candy

Georgia Pecan Candy Recipe - Delicious Southern Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Georgia Pecan Candy is a delicious and sweet treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This candy is made with a combination of brown sugar, white sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and of course, pecans. The end result is a rich and decadent candy that is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

History

Georgia Pecan Candy has its roots in the southern United States, where pecans are a popular ingredient in many traditional recipes. Pecans are native to North America and have been used in cooking for centuries. This candy recipe likely originated in Georgia, where pecans are a staple ingredient in many dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup of light brown sugar
0.5 cup of white sugar
0.5 cup of heavy cream
2 tbsp of white corn syrup
0.13 tsp of salt
3 tbsp of butter
1 tsp of pure vanilla or 1 tsp of cognac vanilla
2 cups of large pecan halves

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine sugars, cream, corn syrup, salt, and 2 tbsp of butter.
Mix until the sugars are fully dissolved in the cream.
Transfer the mixture to a heavy pan and place it over medium heat.
Occasionally stir the mixture and use a small, damp cloth wrapped around the handle of a wooden spoon to wipe down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan. Alternatively, you can cover the pan with a lid and allow the steam to dissolve the crystals.
Continue cooking the syrup until it reaches a temperature of 236°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer or until a teaspoon of the syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball.
Remove the pan from heat and add the remaining butter and vanilla.
Allow the candy to cool down to 110°F and then beat it until it starts to lose its transparency.
Stir in the nuts.
Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto a buttered marble or pastry sheet, forming clusters.
Let the candy cool completely and store it in an airtight tin.

Variations

This recipe can be used to make fudge squares. In this case, use only 1 cup of pecans or less.
You can customize Georgia Pecan Candy by adding different flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or by using different types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Georgia Pecan Candy, it is important to use a candy thermometer to ensure that the syrup reaches the correct temperature. Be sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning, and use a damp cloth to wipe down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan. It is also important to allow the candy to cool to the correct temperature before beating it and adding the pecans.

Serving Suggestions

Georgia Pecan Candy is perfect for serving as a dessert or snack. It can also be packaged in decorative bags or boxes and given as a gift.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Georgia Pecan Candy is to cook the syrup to the correct temperature and to beat it until it starts to lose its transparency before adding the pecans.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can use other types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Georgia Pecan Candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight tin for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

You can present Georgia Pecan Candy in a decorative tin or box, or you can arrange the clusters on a platter for a beautiful display.

Pairing Recommendations

Georgia Pecan Candy pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, or with a glass of milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Georgia Pecan Candy in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to two weeks. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause the candy to become sticky.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Georgia Pecan Candy contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Georgia Pecan Candy contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Georgia Pecan Candy contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Georgia Pecan Candy contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Georgia Pecan Candy is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

Alergens

Georgia Pecan Candy contains nuts and dairy.

Summary

Georgia Pecan Candy is a sweet and indulgent treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, but may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Georgia Pecan Candy is a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a rich and buttery flavor, this candy is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Georgia Pecan Candy. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little kitchen. Martha and I had been friends since we were young girls, and we shared a love for cooking and trying new recipes.

As Martha was rummaging through her old recipe box, she suddenly pulled out a worn piece of paper with the words "Georgia Pecan Candy" scrawled across the top. She explained that she had received the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago.

Intrigued by the description of the sweet and crunchy treat, I begged Martha to show me how to make it. She happily obliged, and we spent the afternoon in her kitchen, mixing and stirring, laughing and chatting as we whipped up a batch of the delicious candy.

The recipe itself was fairly simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients – sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and of course, plenty of fresh Georgia pecans. The key, Martha explained, was to cook the sugar mixture to just the right temperature, so that it would harden into a perfect, glossy finish.

As we worked together, I watched Martha with admiration as she expertly caramelized the sugar and butter, adding the corn syrup and vanilla to create a rich, golden syrup. The scent of toasting pecans filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.

Once the candy had cooled and hardened, Martha broke it into small, bite-sized pieces and offered me a taste. The combination of sweet, buttery caramel and crunchy pecans was absolutely divine – it was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delicious treat for myself. Martha graciously shared the recipe with me, and I began making it regularly for my own family and friends.

Over the years, I have made Georgia Pecan Candy for countless gatherings and celebrations. It has become a signature dish of mine, and I love sharing it with others.

I have tweaked the recipe slightly over the years, adding a pinch of sea salt for a little extra flavor, and experimenting with different types of nuts and extracts. But the basic recipe remains the same, a testament to the enduring tradition and timeless appeal of this classic Southern treat.

Every time I make Georgia Pecan Candy, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Martha's kitchen, and the simple joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Cooking has always been a source of comfort and connection for me, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart.

I am grateful to Martha for sharing this recipe with me, and to all the other friends and family members who have passed down their own culinary traditions over the years. Each recipe tells a story, a piece of history and heritage that we can carry on and cherish for generations to come.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, why not try your hand at making some Georgia Pecan Candy? It may just become a new favorite in your own recipe collection, a sweet reminder of the power of good food and good friends.