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New Orleans Pecan Pralines

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  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 18–24 pralines
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

New Orleans pecan pralines are rich, creamy Southern candies made with sugar, cream, butter, and pecans, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty crunch.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring until sugars dissolve.
  3. Add butter and continue cooking, stirring frequently. Use a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 238–240°F (soft ball stage).
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and pecan halves.
  5. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it begins to thicken and lose its gloss.
  6. Quickly drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet to form individual pralines.
  7. Allow pralines to cool completely at room temperature until firm and set.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for best results.
  • Do not scrape the sides of the pan to prevent crystallization.
  • Roasting the pecans adds depth to the flavor.
  • Add bourbon or spices for flavor variations.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 praline
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg