"Polly Esther" > wrote in message
...
>
> "zxcvbob" <wrote, in part> Josephine’s Pralines
>>
>> 1/4 Cup water
>> 2T margarine
>> 1 Cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
>> 1 Cup Confectioner's sugar
>> 1/2 teasp vanilla extract
>> 1 Cup chopped pecans
>>
>> Place large towel on counter w/wax paper on top; In medium saucepan, add
>> water and butter; Bring to boil; Stir in sugars; Bring back to boil; Boil
>> and stir 1 minute only; Remove from heat;
>> Stir in vanilla and pecans; Beat by hand until it begins to thicken
>> slightly; Note: DO NOT OVER BEAT! candy will harden too soon; Immediately
>> drop from teaspoon on to wax paper; Cool and store in covered container;
>>
> Here's the method I use lately. We have a fierce microwave and I back off
> from the High setting. A clear sunny day is the best weather for these.
> We sent some to our deployed in Afghanistan Christmas 2010; this year they
> go to Kuwait.
>
> Microwave Pralines
>
> l box butterscotch pie filling (NOT instant) (weighs about 3 ounces)
> 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
> l cup sugar (Not confectioner's)
> l tablespoon butter (cold is okay, it will melt)
> 1/2 cup evaporated milk
> 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
> 2 cups chopped pecans ( if you're going for world/class competition, brush
> the pecans to remove any bits of woodsy redish dust before chopping)
>
> Wipe countertop with damp cloth so the foil will stay in place and spread
> a large sheet of aluminum foil on counter
> Sift or sieve together pie filling and both sugars; mix with evaporated
> milk in microwave safe mixing bowl and add butter.
> Cook 3 minutes on high (says the recipe, I back off to level 8).
> Stir.
> Cook 2 more minutes, stir. Cook 2 more minutes. Stir. You're looking for
> less than 220 degrees. If you use a candy thermometer, be sure to temper
> it by setting it first in a cup of hot water.
> Add pecans and vanilla. Stir.
> Drop on foil.
> If it gets too thick while you're dipping add a FEW drops of evaporated
> milk that's left in the can.
> Some pralines will set immediately, some make take overnight. Polly

Be very careful. I've melted plastic bowls in the microwave when making
candy.


W. Pooh (AKA Winnie P.)