Only two more days until our big open house and we have been busy finishing up yard work, some home improvement projects and lots of cooking and baking. I am so excited about our menu! We couldn't decide what we wanted for dessert, so we decided to go with a dessert buffet.
Along with the standard cupcakes and sugar cookies we are having pecan tarts, lemon bars, chocolate covered pretzels and my favorite--pralines!
-Don't forget there are still a few more days to enter to win a signed and bound copy of my Shortcut Cooking cookbook. Just leave a comment here.
Easy Pralines
1 C. brown sugar, packed
1 C. sugar
1/2 C. half 'n half or heavy cream
3 Tbsp. butter
1 C. pecan halves
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
Combine brown sugar, sugar and half 'n half in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat to 225 degrees (continuing to stir) and then add butter and pecans, keep stirring until temperature reaches 236 degrees. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Add vanilla and beat mixture with a wooden spoon until thick and pecans are coated but candy still has a shine. Quickly drop by tablespoonfuls unto parchment paper.
-Instead of the vanilla you can add spiced rum or bourbon for a little extra kick.
