Old-Fashioned Pralines

Planning to try this for the holidays. I've never made pralines before! Cook time includes optional pecan-roasting minutes. Prep time is an approximation of how long it will take to get all your ingredients in the pot, and on their way to soft-ball stage.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 15-20

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 3⁄4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 3⁄8 cup butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups pecans (roasted) (optional)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and bring to soft ball stage (230 to 240 degrees), stirring constantly.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Stir until mixture thickens, becomes creamy and cloudy, and pecans stay suspended in mixture.
4. Spoon out on aluminum foil or parchment paper.
5. Makes approximately fifteen to twenty pralines, depending on size.
6. Note: To roast pecans, bake them on a sheet pan at 275 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until slightly brown.