1 tsp Vanilla
2 cups Pecans
1 cup Buttermilk
2 cups Sugar
1 tsp Baking Soda
Steps
- Mix together buttermilk, sugar, and baking soda in a large pot.
- Lay a sheet of wax paper out on a flat surface close to your stove.
- The pralines are 3/4 of the way to the soft ball stage. Note how the contents of the pot have risen significantly.
- The pralines are 3/4 of the way to the soft ball stage. Note how the contents of the pot have risen significantly.
- Put the pot over medium heat and, stirring constantly, allow the mixture to reach a “soft ball stage”. To determine if the mixture is at a “soft ball stage” take a cold glass of water and drop a bit of the mixture into the water. A “soft ball” should form. The color should be a darker light brown.
- Remove the pot from heat and mix in the vanilla.
- Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken (about five minutes). The brown color should get darker.
- The pralines and vanilla have been added. This is the desired color.
- The pralines and vanilla have been added. This is the desired color.
- Add the pecans and continue stirring until the mixture is slightly thicker (about one – two minutes).
- Spoon the pralines onto the wax paper. If the mixture starts to run, you did not wait long enough, but it’s fine, your pralines will just be a bit thin. If the mixture starts to crystallize and harden, you have waited too long. That’s fine, too. Just try better next time.
If the mixture starts hardening too quickly, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of warm water to thin the mixture.
Allow the pralines to cool and enjoy.