Orange Pralines

Pralines with just a subtle hint of orange -a different twist to a timeless classic. I lay a piece of waxed paper on top of a kitchen towel on my table and drop the pralines by the spoonful on top of the waxed paper. I find it's easier to pick them up this way and less likely to break.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 24 Pralines

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 cups pecan halves
• 2  cups sugar
• 3⁄4 cup half-and-half
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3  tablespoons light corn syrup (Karo)
• 1  orange, juice and zest of, grated
• 4  tablespoons butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spread pecans on baking sheet and lightly toast for about 7-10 minutes.
3. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. In large saucepan combine sugar, half and half, salt, butter and corn syrup.
5. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture reaches 235 degrees on candy thermometer.
6. Add orange juice and zest and cook until it again reaches 235 degrees.
7. Remove from heat, add vanilla and stir for 1 minute.
8. Add pecans and stir briefly.
9. Working rather quickly drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.
10. Store in covered container.