Southern Pralines

This is my sister’s recipe. She makes these for me at least once a year, usually around Christmas. I just let her, because it saves me the trouble!

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

1 1/2 cups half and half

3 Tbsp. butter

2 cups pecan halves

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan stir together the sugar, brown sugar, and half and half. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

Cook over medium-low heat to the soft ball stage, about 16-18 minutes, stirring only as necessary to prevent sticking.

Remove from heat, add the butter, but DO NOT STIR.

Cool WITHOUT STIRRING to 150 degrees, about 30 minutes. Quickly stir in pecans.

Beat candy for 2-3 minutes or till candy is just beginning to thicken but is still glossy.

Drop candy from a tablespoon onto waxed paper. If the candy becomes too stiff to drop, add a few drops of hot water and stir. (Kate says you’ll need to add the hot water every time!)

This makes about 30 pralines . . . and no, you can’t have any of mine!