Emeril's Creamy Pralines

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

Directions

1. 1

   In a heavy saucepan, over medium heat, combine the sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt and condensed milk.

2. 2

   With a wooden spoon, stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. 3

   Continue to cook, stirring, until smooth and light brown, about 8 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the vanilla and pecans and continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture reaches 234 to 240 degrees F. on a candy thermometer or the soft ball stage, that is, when a bit dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens. Remove from the heat and drop by the spoonful onto waxed paper.

5. 5

   Let cool.

6. 6

   Remove from the paper with a thin knife.