Penuche Candy Squares

By ldelmas

Butter the inside of the saucepan before you begin making this candy. This prevents sugar from clinging to the sides and it makes for a creamier candy.Serves: 16
Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes Total Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup SPLENDA® Sugar Blend
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• ..

Preparation

Step 1

1.Grease an 8- x 8-inch pan with vegetable cooking spray.

2.Butter sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan; add SPLENDA® Sugar Blend for Baking, brown sugar, half and half, and milk. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until candy thermometer reaches 236 degrees or soft ball stage (about 15 to 20 minutes). Remove from heat. Add butter and vanilla; do not stir. Cool, without stirring, until mixture reaches 110 degrees (about 50 minutes).

3.Add pecans; beat with a wooden spoon or with a mixer fitted with paddle attachment until mixture thickens and just begins to lose its gloss. Quickly pour into prepared pan and spread evenly. Score in squares and cool completely; cut when firm,