Chocolate Pralines

By carvalhohm

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) plus 1 teaspoon butter, divided
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves

Details

Servings 36
Cooking time 35mins
Adapted from mrfood.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan that has been coated with 1 teaspoon butter, combine sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 20 minutes, until soft ball stage is reached, stirring constantly (see Note).

Remove from heat and add remaining 1/4 cup butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla; continue stirring until melted and smooth. Add pecans and stir until well coated.

Drop by tablespoonfuls about 1-inch apart on wax paper-lined baking sheets. Allow to cool at room temperature until set. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.


Notes:
To test for soft ball stage: Drop a bit of mixture from a teaspoon into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, that flattens when you remove it from water, it has reached soft ball stage. If not, continue to cook mixture, then test again after a bit.