BEST Southern Pecan Pralines

Step 1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2

Add the sugars, milk, butter, and salt to a medium saucepan and heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. This will take some time but it's best not to rush this part or you could end up with candy that is too hard.

Step 3

To check the mixture, carefully place a small amount of candy on a spoon, blow it until it is cool enough to handle, then rub the candy between your thumb and index finger. If you still feel the graininess of the sugar crystals, your candy is not quite ready.

Step 4

Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and pecans. Continue to stir the candy vigorously with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens.

Step 5

The candy should be thick but pourable and not runny at all. This is called the "softball stage". If you drop a hot spoonful of the candy into a glass of ice water, it should form a soft ball that can easily be flattened between your fingers.

Step 6

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the pecan praline candy onto your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart. You want to work quickly so the candy does not firm up too much. If it becomes too firm to work with, stir in a small amount of hot water to get it back to the right consistency.

Step 7

Allow the candies to set for at least an hour or overnight and enjoy!