Pralines - New Orleans Style

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
2 cups pecan pieces

Directions:

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add the cream and both sugars and continue cooking until the sugars are dissolved. Increase the heat to medium and simmer until the mixture reaches 240-250 degrees F, stirring occasionally. (If the mixture begins to crystallize you can add 2 more tablespoons of the cream and continue cooking until it loosens up).  Add the pecans, remove from heat and give the mixture a final gentle stir. Use a wooden spoon, portion about 2 tablespoons of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 1 inch between them. (If the mixture begins to crystallize and set up before you finish portioning all of the pralines, add an additional 2 tablespoons of cream to the saucepan and set the pan over medium heat until the mixture is creamy, then continue portioning the candies.) Cool for at least 30 minutes before transferring to an airtight container.