Description
This rich praline-like candy is absolutely delectable, and it’s a great candy for gift giving. It takes a few minutes to cook, but it’s so worth the wait.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 6 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Lightly butter a pan or line with parchment paper hanging over the sides for easy removal. You can use a 9 x 13 pan, or if you want thicker pieces you can use a smaller pan. I actually used a 9 x 11 pan.
- Melt some of the dry sugar: Add two cups of the granulated sugar to a medium saucepan over low heat. (I used a one quart heavy bottomed saucepan over #3 on my stove top). Stir the sugar slowly but constantly over the low heat, until all of it melts into a liquid form. This will take about 20 minutes…the longest step of this recipe.
- Meantime, add the remaining 4 cups of sugar and the heavy whipping cream to a large heavy bottomed pot. Mix to combine and simmer over low heat (#2 on electric stove) while you melt the dry sugar in the other pan.
- Once the dry sugar is completely liquified, pour it into the other pan, stirring constantly for a few seconds to combine. Turn the heat to medium, and cook to 244 degrees on a candy thermometer or a soft ball in cold water. This should take 8 to 9 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the baking soda. Stir to incorporate. Add the butter and vanilla and mix with a spoon until the butter is melted and incorporated.
- Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it loses its shiny appearance. Mix in the nuts. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, and allow it cool for about 2 hours before cutting. You can also refrigerate the candy to speed things up. Feel free to cover it and refrigerate overnight before cutting.
Notes
- I suggest cutting this candy into smaller size pieces. It is delicious but very rich.
- Before starting this recipe, make sure your nuts are fresh.