Bourbon Pralines

Submitted by southern chef in lo

"If you like bourbon, these are some of the best pralines ever."

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 2 dozen

ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1⁄3 cup Bourbon
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecan pieces
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

directions

1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a heavy saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves. Add pecans; cover and cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes to wash down sugar crystals down from side of the pan.
2. Uncover and cook without stirring to soft ball stage or until candy thermometer reads 235°F.
3. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda; beat with a wooden spoon just until the mixture starts to thicken (5 to 8 minutes).
4. Working rapidly, drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased wax paper; let stand until firm.

Reviews

[Bulldog Belly]

My first attempt to make pralines... I made three batches and learned the importance of temperature! I don't know if my thermometer was off, or if it was a humidity thing, but I had to experiment to find the right temp to cook to. If you try them and they don't end up with the perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency, try tweaking the temperature.

 

[elle_26_1999]

I just made these and they were terrific! I did make a couple changes. I didn't have any buttermilk, so I used a cup of light cream. I also used 2 cups of light brown sugar and roasted my pecans in the oven for a few minutes. Otherwise, I didn't change a thing. Very nice.