Pecan Pralines

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Pecan Pralines

3 tsp butter                                                                     1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup butter                                                                 1 Tbsp light corn syrup
2 cups sugar                                                                    A heavy dash of salt
1 cup packed brown sugar                                            3 cups pecan halves
1 cup half & half                                                               1/2 tsp vanilla extract

​1.  Line three baking sheets with foil and grease the foil with 1 teaspoon of butter each.  Set aside.

2.  In a heavy large saucepan over medium heat, melt the stick of butter (or 1/2 cup).  Stir in sugars, cream, milk, corn syrup and salt.  Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 236* (soft ball stage), about 20 minutes.  

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3.  Remove from heat.  Stir in pecans and vanilla.  Cool without stirring to 170*, about 20 minutes.  Stir with a wooden spoon until mixture just begins to thicken but is still glossy, about 2 minutes.  Hang in there--short of spending time in the icebox, they're halfway ready to inhale or devour.  Your choice!

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4.  Working quickly --QUICKLY, I said...Not that I know from experience or anything -- drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.  

5.  Let stand until pralines are set and no longer glossy.  Refrigerate, baby!  Refrigerate 1 hour or until completely set.  Store in an airtight container in that same refrigerator!  

Don't be like Liz and eat 2 or 3 in one sitting.  These thangs are SWEET! I think they deserve a warning label so that nobody will get hurt or inflict serious injury while grooving on the taste!  

Enjoy your pralines, party people!