Pecan Pralines

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups whole pecans

Directions

1. 1

   Combine all ingredients except the pecans in a heavy saucepan. Over medium heat stir mixture until it comes to a boil. Turn heat down to medium-low and continue to stir. Spoon mixture up on sides of pan to melt any sugar that hasn't melted.

2. 2

   Cook until mixture reaches 238 to 241 degrees F. on a candy thermometer or soft ball stage.

3. 3

   Stir in the pecans. Remove from heat.

4. 4

   Stir until the mixture begins to thicken and becomes creamy and cloudy.

5. 5

   Drop onto parchment paper, buttered pan or buttered marble slab, using a spoon or ice cream scoop. Let cool.