Thursday, December 23, 2010

Two Candy Recipes


Monday I made a couple of batches of candy. Both are fairly quick and easy to put together if you have a candy thermometer.

The first one I made is Praline Pecans. The list of ingredients are: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon rum extract and 3 cups pecan halves.


In a heavy saucepan combine both sugars, water, honey and cinnamon. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil over medium heat. DO NOT STIR. Insert a candy thermometer into the syrup and heat until the thermometer reads 240 degrees F. (Soft Ball Stage).

Sorry but I didn't get a picture of that last part. 


Remove the pan from the heat and add extracts. Cool to lukewarm without stirring.

When the mixture is lukewarm, beat it with a mixer for 2 to 3 minutes our until creamy. Then stir in pecans until coated. You need to work quickly before the candy hardens too much. Turn onto waxed paper (the mixture will be a bit sticky) and separate into small clumps.


Cool for a few hours or until dry and sugary. Store in an airtight container.

 

The second recipe is for Caramels. My older sister gave me this recipe years ago and people always seem to enjoy it.

The list of ingredients is: 1 cup butter (or margarine), 1 pound brown sugar, dash of salt, 1 cup corn syrup, 1 (15 ounce) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. If desired, chopped pecans can also be added.


First melt the butter in a heavy, large saucepan.


Stir in brown sugar until it's melted.


Add salt, corn syrup and Eagle Brand milk. Stir well.


Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thermometer reaches 245 to 250 degrees F. (Firm Ball Stage).

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Chopped pecans can be added at this time if desired. I use 1 and 1/2 cups chopped pecans.) 

Pour candy into a buttered 9x13" pan. (I sprayed my pan and lined it with parchment paper so that 2 of the ends extended over the edges. That way I could just take the whole slab of candy out of the pan later.)

Once the candy is cool, cut it into pieces and wrap each in a piece of waxed paper.

It was much easier for me to take the whole slab of candy out of the pan before cutting into pieces.

Enjoy!

14 comments:

  1. Oh, lawdy, PE-CANS!!! I am a serious sucker for them in any way, shape or form! TY for sharing.

    Have a beautiful & joyous Christmas.
    TTFN ~
    Hugs, Marydon

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  2. Oh my goodness, Granny...I feel my butt getting bigger as I try to siphon the sugar off the page! They look marvlous!
    ...besides I love pecans! Have a blessed day!

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  3. Yum! They look good...My hubby's going to like these! Thank you!!
    Merry Christmas!!

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  4. Oh, yummy!
    Is my box in the mail? lol

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  5. Merry CHRISTmas Sweetie...
    Oh recipes for the holidays. I love it. Momma just brought me my BIG bag of pecans for the holiday too. Fresh from their Oklahoma orchard. I love pecans and have never tried making pralines. You have inspired me and I will let you know how they turn out.

    This second recipe. Oh my gosh, my mouth is watering as I type and it isn't even 9:30 in the morning here. I am going to give this one a try as well. Now how big do you cut your candies? I mean are these really rich and sweet? Cut them small? Let me know will ya?

    Have a gorgeous day sweet one. Many hugs and SO much love, Sherry

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  6. I'm going to try these recipes next week. Have you ever made Aunt Bill's Candy? My aunt use to make that and it is delicious. Thanks for the recipes.

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  7. Yes, they are yummy.
    Have a Merry Christmas.
    Hugs

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  8. Is your flying Santa delivering candy to North Carolina? They both look delicious. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

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  9. Anything with Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk has to be good! Thanks for sharing the recipe! Wonder if this is the same caramel recipe Dr. Reburn's mom uses ... she won't share her recipe ~ oh, but they taste wonderful! :)

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  10. Looks yummy, I may have gained a pound or two just looking at it...lol
    Merry Christmas
    Mary

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  11. those look so good! I love pralines but never had much success with candy.
    If you were closer to me, I'd be knocking on your door right now

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  12. First of all thanks for taking the time from your baking to visit me. No doubt your family will have a sweet tooth after all this good candy. I wish I had a piece now.

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  13. I gain weight just reading your recipes. Seriously yum.

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