Praline Pecans and Cranberry Mix

From the 100 Best Appetizers Cookbook given to me by my sweet swap partner MaField during the Cookbook Swap in 2008. I'm planning on using this for holiday gifts this year. I really liked the flavor of the cranberries in this mix. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 20
• Yields: 5 cups

Ingredients

• 3 1⁄2 cups pecan halves
• 1⁄4 cup light corn syrup
• 1⁄4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 cups dried cranberries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250 F and grease a 13x9" baking pan, set aside. Cover large baking sheet with heavy duty foil, set aside.
2. Spread pecans in single layer on prepared baking pan.
3. Combine corn syrup, brown sugar and butter in small microwavable bowl and microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir.
4. Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute or until boiling rapidly.
5. Stir in vanilla and baking soda until well blended.
6. Drizzle mixture evenly over pecan halves and stir until evenly coated.
7. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes with a wooden spoon.
8. IMMEDIATELY transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet, spreading pecans evenly over foil with lightly greased spatula.
9. Cool completely. Break apart with wooden spoon.
10. Combine pecans with cranberries in large bowl.
11. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can also divide between cute cellophane gift bags and twist tie to seal.