Buttermilk Bacon Pralines

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (microwave to make it easy)

Recipe

• 1 in a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan, combine the sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, buttermilk, baking soda and kosher salt. cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes (do not stir or it will become grainy) or until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, 235 degrees on a candy thermometer. note: check your thermometer prior to making.
• 2 remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, pecans, orange zest and bacon. beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until creamy and smooth. careful, it's hot.
• 3 drop the praline mixture by teaspoonfuls onto a silicone baking mat; if you don't have one, simply use buttered parchment or wax paper. let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or until cooled. store in an airtight container.