Pecan Pralines Southern-style

Pecan Pralines Southern-style Recipe from USA | Fiber-rich Ingredients

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Pecan Pralines are a classic Southern treat that combines the rich flavors of pecans, sugar, and butter. These sweet and nutty candies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or for gifting to friends and family.

History

Pecan Pralines have their origins in the Southern United States, particularly in Louisiana. The recipe is believed to have been brought to the region by French settlers and has since become a beloved treat in Southern cuisine.

Ingredients

1 cup of pecans
0.25 cup of heavy cream
0.25 cup of unsalted butter
1 cup + 2 tbsp of light brown sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of bourbon (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Spread the pecans evenly on a cookie sheet and place it in the preheated oven for 3 minutes.
Stir the pecans and bake for an additional 3 minutes, making sure to monitor them closely to prevent over-toasting.
Line another cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Attach a candy thermometer to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Over high heat, cook the cream, butter, and brown sugar until it reaches a temperature of 240°F (116°C) (soft ball stage).
If needed, stir the mixture once to help dissolve the sugar.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 15 seconds.
Carefully stir in the vanilla, bourbon, and toasted pecans. Be cautious as the mixture may splatter.
Continue stirring until the mixture appears creamy and slightly thickened.
Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet.
Allow the pecan pralines to cool for 20 minutes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pralines for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Substitute the pecans with other nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to monitor the temperature of the sugar mixture closely with a candy thermometer to ensure the pralines set properly.

- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the sugar mixture helps enhance their flavor.

- Stir the mixture constantly after adding the pecans to prevent them from clumping together.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan Pralines are perfect for serving as a dessert or snack. They can also be wrapped up and given as gifts during the holiday season.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Pecan Pralines is to cook the sugar mixture to the soft ball stage and to stir constantly after adding the pecans.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also omit the bourbon if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

Pecan Pralines can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Pecan Pralines on a decorative platter or in a gift box for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pecan Pralines pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon for a delicious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Pecan Pralines in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pecan Pralines contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pecan Pralines contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pecan Pralines contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pecan Pralines contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pecan Pralines are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

Alergens

Pecan Pralines contain nuts and dairy.

Summary

Pecan Pralines are a sweet and indulgent treat that are high in fats and carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Pecan Pralines are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create these Southern-style candies at home for a special treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Pecan Pralines Southern-style. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maggie in her cozy kitchen. Maggie was known far and wide for her delicious pecan pralines, and I had been begging her for the recipe for years. Finally, on that fateful day, she took me under her wing and taught me the secret to making the most perfect pralines.

Maggie's kitchen was a treasure trove of culinary delights. The walls were lined with shelves overflowing with cookbooks, pots and pans hung from the ceiling, and the scent of spices and sugar lingered in the air. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat.

Maggie greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "Are you ready to learn the secret to my famous pecan pralines?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

I nodded eagerly, my mouth already watering at the thought of the sweet, nutty treats. Maggie led me over to the stove, where a pot of bubbling caramel was simmering away. The scent of melted butter and sugar wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

"First, you'll need to toast the pecans," Maggie instructed, handing me a bowl of the crunchy nuts. "Spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven until they're golden brown and fragrant."

I followed Maggie's instructions, watching as the pecans transformed into toasty, fragrant perfection. Once they were done, Maggie showed me how to chop them up into bite-sized pieces, their rich aroma filling the room.

Next, Maggie demonstrated how to make the caramel base for the pralines. She poured sugar and butter into a heavy-bottomed pot, stirring gently until the mixture turned a deep, golden brown. The scent of caramelized sugar filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

"Now, this is the tricky part," Maggie said, adding a splash of cream to the caramel. "You have to stir constantly and watch carefully to make sure it doesn't burn."

I watched in awe as Maggie expertly combined the cream with the caramel, creating a rich, velvety sauce that would soon cradle the toasted pecans. She added a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla, giving the sauce a warm, sweet flavor that danced on my tongue.

Finally, it was time to add the pecans to the caramel. Maggie poured the toasted nuts into the pot, stirring gently to coat each piece in the sugary sauce. The scent of buttery caramel and toasted pecans mingled in the air, creating a mouthwatering aroma that filled the kitchen.

"Now comes the fun part," Maggie said, handing me a spoon. "You'll need to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them cool and harden, and then you'll have a batch of delicious pecan pralines to enjoy."

I followed Maggie's instructions, carefully spooning out the caramel-coated pecans onto the parchment paper. The mixture glistened in the light, each praline a perfect blend of sweet, nutty goodness. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As the pralines cooled, Maggie and I sat at her kitchen table, sipping tea and swapping stories. The scent of pecan pralines lingered in the air, teasing my taste buds with their rich, sweet aroma.

Finally, the pralines were ready. I picked one up, savoring the moment before taking a bite. The caramel cracked under my teeth, giving way to the buttery pecans hidden inside. The flavor was divine, a perfect blend of sweet and nutty that melted on my tongue.

Maggie beamed at me, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You did it, my dear," she said. "You've mastered the art of making pecan pralines Southern-style."

I smiled back at her, grateful for her patience and guidance. From that day on, I would always remember the sense of anticipation I felt in Maggie's kitchen, learning the secret to making the most delicious pecan pralines I had ever tasted. And every time I made a batch of pralines, I would think of Maggie and the sweet memories we shared in her cozy kitchen.