Sugar & Pecans

I wanna thank Paula Deen for this recipe right here. This is the first time I've made any sort of candy. I wanted to make the richest candy I could think of, and classic pecan pralines came to mind. I love to make mine with whole pecan halves (as opposed to crushed), but the best part is taking that first bite -- part soft and crunchy. Yum!

What you'll need:

1 1/2 c sugar
1 1/2 c packed light brown sugar
1/8 t salt
3 T dark corn syrup
1 c evaporated milk
2 T butter
1 t pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 c pecan halves

What to do: 

1. Butter the sides of a heavy saucepan. 

2. Put the sugars, salt, corn syrup, milk, and butter in saucepan over medium heat. 

3. Stir mixture constantly with a wooden spoon until sugars have dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. 

4. Continue to cook to a soft ball stage, approximately 236 degrees on a candy thermometer.

5. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. 

6. Add the vanilla and nuts and stir for approximately 2 minutes or until candy is slightly thick and begins to lose its gloss. 

7. Quickly drop heaping tablespoons onto waxed paper. 

8. Allow candy to harden and then enjoy!