Creole Pralines...12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies & Sweets

Can you believe Christmas is less than 3 weeks away?!?  Are you ready?  We’re somewhat ready…we’ve had 3 bouts of strep throat since November, 2 of which were me, so when the mama is sick, things tend to fall behind, you know?  Anyway, while the gifts are ordered, none have arrived.  The husband and son have requested that we bake & decorate sugar cookies, but we’ve not gotten to that.  The plan is to make them the week before Christmas, since I’m taking the week off.  Andrew’s birthday is next week, and I’m happy to say that while I know I can make his cake, I chose to give myself a break and order from my favorite bakery, instead.  I only feel a little guilty, but I think he and the husband deserve a non-stressed mama/wife rather than a crazy and harried one.  But, it is the season of treats & goodies, so, I’m choosing to make treats that require little of my time, like these terrific pralines.  Now, I’m constantly tweaking my praline recipe – the ratio of brown sugar to granulated, whether to use heavy cream, half & half, milk, evaporated milk, or buttermilk, cooking the pecans in the sugar or toasting them before.  I’m really happy with this version, but if you’re interested in one of my earlier version, click here.  

If you’re a little hesitant to make pralines, I’m here to say that I used to be hesitant, too.  But, if you arm yourself with the right equipment, have your ingredients at the ready, and dedicate an hour of your time to these delicious treats, you’ll be so glad you did.  When I brought these to work, I had an office of very happy ladies!

Equipment