CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Pecan Pralines

Here’s an easy microwave recipe for a tasty snack.

Pecan Pralines

2 cups sugar

1 cup buttermilk

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

2½ cups broken pecans

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

In deep bowl or microwave-safe 4-quart casserole, combine sugar, buttermilk, salt. Microwave on 70 percent power for about 8 minutes, stirring several times, scraping sides of bowl, until sugar begins to caramelize. Stir in butter, pecans; continue cooking at 70 percent powder about 8 more minutes, until candy reaches soft-ball stage (234 degrees). Add baking soda (mixture will foam), cook on high for 1 minute, or until praline is color you prefer. Remove from microwave, stir in vanilla, cool slightly. Beat until creamy, slightly thick. Quickly drop by tablespoonfuls onto wax paper that has been placed over wet towel. Let pralines set until dry, firm before removing from paper.

Yield: About 60 pralines.

To make powder: When completely cool, place in blender. Pulse to desired consistency.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.

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