Praline Pecans

INGREDIENTS 

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

Instructions

Preparing the Pecans

Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5-7 minutes, until fragrant.

Making the Candy Mixture

Combine Ingredients

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Cook the Mixture

Over medium heat, stir constantly until the mixture reaches 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the “soft ball” stage, which is crucial for achieving the right texture

Mix in the Pecans

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans. Ensure that the pecans are evenly coated with the candy mixture.

Drop Clusters

Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Allow them to cool completely before handling. The clusters will harden as they cool, giving them their characteristic crunch.