A yummy homemade gift or a favorite snack – either way, these pralines are easy to make and great to have around.

There is something particularly satisfying about making candy. Put the right ingredients together, add the right amount of heat, and suddenly chemistry takes over and a pot of nondescript stuff is transformed into an irresistible confection. It is magical. The process is especially satisfying when the creation results in “wow” or “amazing” accompanied by smiles from those who get to taste the samples. These Pecan Pralines will do just that. The following recipe, which uses sour cream, results in pralines that are especially light and crunchy.

Pecan Pralines

Ingredients

• 1  1/2 cups pecan halves
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1  1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Pan toast pecans by continuously stirring nuts over medium heat for 3 minutes. They should start to emit a toasted scent and be barely browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
4. Stir in sugars, salt, and sour cream.
5. Increase heat to medium-low. Whisk ingredients until sugars have melted.
6. Increase to medium high. Stir frequently until mixture reaches 240 degrees F.
7. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
8. Let mixture cool for 2 minutes, then stir in pecans until they are fully coated.
9. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet.
10. Let stand until set, about 30 minutes.

Adapted from Southern Sour-Cream Pralines.