Southern Creamy Pralines

Sweet and creamy Pecan Pralines are a quintessential New Orleans treat. These pecan candies are easy to make and will make you feel like you’re in the Big Easy.

I have mentioned before that my grandmother was born and raised in Mississippi. So far south, in fact, that she has always joked that my great-grandmother would go to New Orleans just to buy a spool of thread. Yep, they were just that close to the Big Easy.

When I was 10, the whole family (with the exception of my poor father, who had to work) took a week-long vacation to New Orleans. My grandmother showed us the sites, took us to all of her favorite restaurants, and – of course – made sure we indulged in all of the foods famous to the city.

My most poignant memories of the trip (not including an accidental walk down Bourbon Street at 10 pm) include the following:

Mountains of beignets at Cafe Du Monde (I clearly hit culinary nirvana early in life). Being freaked out by my uncle trying to get my cousins and I to suck the juice out of the crawfish heads at brunch. My cousin Liz, who was 9 at the time, thought this was perhaps the best thing she had ever done.

And, not to be forgotten, watching pecan pralines being made on big marble slabs at Aunt Sally’s. So when I saw a recipe for Pecan Pralines in Joy the Baker’s cookbook, I knew that I wanted to make them and send them to my grandmother.

I only have faint memories of how Aunt Sally’s pecan pralines actually tasted. This recipe tasted wonderful to me, but I knew my grandmother would be a much tougher critic, having grown up eating pralines.

Folks, these Pecan Pralines passed the Grandmommie test. In fact, she told me later that she simply could not stop eating them. I’d call that one a success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of pecans and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sweets, then this Southern Creamy Pralines recipe is for you. Not only do these candies evoke the vibrant flavors of New Orleans, but they also bring a nostalgic touch to any dessert table. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they’re an indulgence you won’t want to miss.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Very large saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Non-stick cookie sheet, foil, or wax paper

Ingredients

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup whole fat buttermilk
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a very large pan, combine the sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2. Add the baking soda and stir. Continue to cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, about 235°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove the pan from the heat, and add the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until the color changes and it begins to thicken.
4. Stir in the pecans quickly, then drop spoonfuls onto a well-greased non-stick cookie sheet, foil, or wax paper. Work fast before the candy hardens!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your pan is large enough to accommodate the foaming when the baking soda is added.
• Use a candy thermometer to accurately reach the soft-ball stage.
• Grease your surface well to prevent the pralines from sticking.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a deeper flavor, try toasting the pecans before adding them to the candy mixture.
• For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of bourbon.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

These pralines are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts or almonds for a different twist.

Q: How long do pralines keep?
A: Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Q: Can I make these without a candy thermometer?
A: While it’s possible, a thermometer ensures accuracy and better results.

Conclusion

I hope this Southern Creamy Pralines recipe brings a little piece of New Orleans to your kitchen. Give it a try and let your taste buds revel in the sweet, nutty goodness. Don’t forget to share your praline-making adventures in the comments or on social media!