Creamy New Orleans Pralines

Sonja Jones-Natt

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 pinch salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 quart pecans

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup and salt in a very large pan (it will foam considerably when soda is added), and bring to a nice rolling boil.
2. Add soda, stir and cook until soft-ball is formed when dropped in cold water. 
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla. 
4. Beat until color changes and candy thickens. 
5. Stir in pecans. 
6. Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. (DO IT FAST before the candy hardens).

This is a very old family recipe that we have been using since my great-great- grandmother. It was originally made in a cast iron Dutch oven. We love it and there is no other recipe as rich as this one. Pralines are a big part of our Cajun family and we make them all the time. I know you will enjoy this as much as we do.