Praline And Sesame Candy Recipes

PRALINES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• In large saucepan over medium heat, combine pecans, sugar, butter, brown sugar, milk and vanilla. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface.
• Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Let cool completely.

PRALINES II

Steps:

• Lightly grease the inside of a 4-quart saucepan. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
• Stir the brown sugar, white sugar, baking soda, sour cream, and corn syrup together in the oiled pan; place over low heat. Cook and stir continually until the sugars are dissolved. Wipe any sugar crystals above the liquid line with a pastry brush moistened with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Do not stir once the sugar syrup begins to boil. Heat to 240 degrees F (115 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Remove from heat; stir in the butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Press a pecan half into the top of each praline. Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

PRALINES

Steps:

• In a deep, 2-quart heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar and milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugars melt. Cook, stirring frequently, to keep mixture from bubbling over, until a candy thermometer reads 228 degrees. Add the pecans and butter and stir until butter melts. Continue cooking until thermometer reaches 232 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool, stirring occasionally, until the mixture loses some of its gloss.
• Spoon the praline mixture onto parchment paper, forming 24 thin patties, each about 2 inches in diameter. Let cool at least a half hour. Wrap individually in wax-paper squares.

CRUNCHY SESAME SEED CANDY

Steps:

• Coat a 9-inch-square baking pan or dish with oil or non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
• Put the sesame seeds into an ungreased 10-inch skillet (preferably one with a non-stick surface) and stir them over medium-high heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and aromatic.
• Temporarily transfer the seeds (they will be hot) to a bowl, making sure that none are left in the skillet; set aside.
• Put the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger into the skillet and mix them well.
• Slowly bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• As soon as the entire mixture comes to a full rolling boil, cook it vigorously for exactly 2 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the sesame seeds until well mixed.
• Quickly turn out the hot mixture into the prepared pan and use a metal spatula that has been dipped into cold water to press the candy into a very smooth and even layer.
• Cool the candy in the pan for l5 minutes, or until it is solid but still lukewarm.
• Run the spatula around the edge of the candy to loosen it.
• Then turn out the whole slab of candy onto a wooden board or other cutting surface.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the large square of warm candy into very small squares, diamonds, or rectangles.
• Cool the candies completely; then store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• If a professional look is desired, roll each cooked candy in a small piece of stiff cellophane and twist the ends.

PRALINE AND SESAME CANDY

Steps:

• Brush a large baking sheet with vegetable oil and set aside.
• Put the sugars and almonds in a large saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Continue to cook until the sugar develops a rich brown color and the almonds turn a darker brown. Shake the pan whilst cooking to insure all the nuts are well coated. Stir in the sesame seeds and turn the candy out onto the treated pan. Form a sheet of candy as you would with bark. Let cool one hour.
• Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water or use a double boiler. DO NOT let the water touch the bottom of the bowl or the chocolate itself.
• Break the candy (by hand or with a knife) into 20 or so pieces. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip half of each candy in the chocolate and shake off excess. Place the coated candy on the parchment paper and allow the coating to cool and set.
• NOTE: The brittle softens over time - especially when exposed to air and moisture. If you are not serving soon, dip the whole bite in chocolate to extend the dish's longevity.