Real Pecan Pralines

Those of you with a sweet tooth will be able to satisfy that craving with these Real Pecan Pralines a delicous accompaniment for a wine tasting or tea party. They are just sweet enough to sooth a savage sweet tooth and hard enough to last you a while when eating. Make sure you have plenty extra for your Tea Party guests too.

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 Tbsps. margarine
1/8 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups whole pecans
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup very cold water (to test "hard-ball" stage)
1 tsp. oil (for cookie sheets)

In a large saucepan, combine above ingredients except water. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over a medium-low flame. Mixture should be at a low boil. Stir bottom and sides continuously. Cook for about 4 minutes until a drop of the mixture forms a "hard-ball" drop when placed in a cup of cold water, or mixture reaches 260 degrees F. Remove from stove and beat briskly for 2 minutes until mixture cools, thickens, and becomes creamy.

On large pieces of waxed paper, aluminum foil, or oiled cookie sheets, drop 2 or 3 pecans with a tablespoon of mixture for each praline. When all of mixture has been poured, let cool thoroughly. Store in airtight containers.

I make candy every year for the holidays and these pralines are an essential addition to my gift baskets that feature wines or teas.