Chocolate-covered pecan pralines
Pecan pralines are a sweet candy that owe their taste to the blend of pecans and brown sugar used to make them. Southern favorites, they can be made in large batches and can be adapted to be made with other nuts and additional flavors. You will need a candy thermometer to make pralines; these are available at cooking stores and online.
Instructions
1. Place the in a saucepan, clipping it to the pan's edge. Pour the cream and sugar into the pan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. When the sugar has dissolved, add the butter and pecans.
2. Continue to stir over medium heat. If you are adding other nuts or flavors, such as maple flavoring, add those at this time. Cook until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy and the candy thermometer indicates that the mixture has reached what is called the "soft ball stage," or 238 degrees F.
3. Allow the mixture to cool until it is thick enough that it is hard to stir. Use the spoons to scoop up bite-sized portions and place them on the baking sheet to cool. If you like chocolate, dip the pralines in melted chocolate chips or drizzle across the tops of the pralines.
Tags: candy thermometer, medium heat, melted chocolate, other nuts, over medium, over medium heat
