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Christmas candy

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

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Every year at Christmas I try a bunch of new cookie and candy recipes. There are so many great ones out there – so many recipes, so little time.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

This year I’m starting with Vanilla Pecan Pralines – a terrific candy that didn’t start out to be pralines, but ended up that way!

This candy starts out a lot like my Butterscotch Spoonnoodles (one of my favorites, by the way).

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

I expected it to be a chewy candy because of the marshmallow. It’s really more of a soft, but still firm praline – kind of like the ones you can get at a Mexican restaurant.

The marshmallow and vanilla chips give these pralines a wonderful mellow flavor.

I usually don’t like regular pralines because they’re grainy to me, but this candy isn’t grainy at all. They kind of melt in your mouth, then you get some of those nice crunchy pecans. They get that great texture from the mixture being boiled for 8 minutes – don’t skip that part.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Speaking of pecans, our eight pecan trees are being very prolific this year! Every time the wind blows, a ton more pecans fall into our front yard.

I kind of look forward to the Fall pecan crop. Neighbors from blocks away come to pick up pecans and since they come back every year it’s fun to get to know them.

This year the pecans are particularly flavorful and make these Vanilla Pecan Pralines even better.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

You can freeze pralines if you want to make them early. Just let them thaw to room temperature before serving.

The best way to store them for ultimate freshness, though, is to wrap them individually in little pieces of plastic wrap and put them in an airtight container. Put waxed paper between the layers to keep the pretty shapes.

I hope you enjoy these pralines. They’re fairly easy to make and should definitely go on your holiday and Christmas candy list!

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

More holiday candy recipes for you!

Christmas candy on a green plate

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Yield: 5 dozen
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Soft, melt-in-your mouth vanilla pralines with fresh, crunchy pecans.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 C granulated sugar
  • 7 oz. evaporated milk
  • 1/4 C butter, cubed
  • 1 pkg (11 oz) vanilla or white chocolate chips (recommend Ghirardelli)
  • 4 oz marshmallow creme
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 C chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Place two long sheets of waxed paper either on cookie sheets or your counter.
  2. Add the sugar, milk, and butter to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, constantly stirring. Boil, then turn down the heat a little to a low boil. Boil and stir for 8 minutes.
  3. Add the vanilla chips and marshmallow creme and stir until chips are completely melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and pecans. Stir to coat pecans until everything is evenly combined.
  4. Let cool for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be thick, but creamy - if not, add a couple of more teaspoons of evaporated milk and stir well. Carefully drop by tablespoons onto the waxed paper and let cool until set.
  5. Store in an airtight container, layering the candy between waxed paper.

Notes

Tips and Stuff:

Boil and stir the entire 8 minutes - time it.  It dissolves the sugar and gives the candy a great texture.

After removing from the stove, add a touch more evaporated milk if needed.  The texture should be creamy, but not runny.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 60 Serving Size: 1 praline
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 79Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g

Nutrition Values are Approximate

© Adapted from TOH, Glenda Gibson
Category: Candy

Ritz Crackers Chocolate Toffee

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Ritz Cracker Chocolate Toffee

A lot of my posts start with “Bret went to Costco…” This one will too. Bret went to Costco and brought home a huge box of Ritz Crackers.

I love Ritz Crackers when they’re very fresh and fortunately these are. The dilemma is, what do you do with 10 pounds of them? Make sweet/salty, crunchy, buttery Ritz Crackers Chocolate Toffee, that’s what!

Ritz Cracker Chocolate Toffee

Many years ago I posted Quick and Easy Salted Chocolate Toffee, which is very similar to this one, but uses caster sugar versus brown sugar. And of course, different crackers.

If you go to the link, don’t make fun of my photo. I was a newbie and at the time thought it was a great picture. One day I’ll go back and re-shoot that recipe and it will be sooooo great.

Ritz Cracker Chocolate Toffee

Ritz Crackers Chocolate Toffee is easy to put together, but you do need to be careful. The sugar/butter toffee mixture is muy hot, so don’t even think about sticking your finger in to taste it!

Really, though, be careful pouring it into the pan and make sure the pan is on a sturdy base before you pour.

Also, the baked cracker/toffee mixture wiggles around some when you pour on the chocolate, so just take your time when you pour it. Then lightly smooth it out so it doesn’t all mush together. Even if it does mush together it will still taste great.

Ritz Cracker Chocolate Toffee

Be creative with the toppings. I use sliced almonds. At Christmas I’m going to sprinkle some of those chocolate/peppermint bits on it. Maybe a little of those toffee bits, pecans, or even crushed pretzels. The buttery base of this is so good and will support almost any topping you choose.

Ritz Crackers Chocolate Toffee is a great snack or dessert for the family. I sprinkled it with a little sea salt before the chocolate set up completely. That’s entirely optional, but I like the sweet/salty thing.

Put this on your list for Christmas plates, too. I know it’s a little early, but really now – it’s never to early to start looking for new Christmas goodies!

**Don’t forget to check out my amazing Ritz Cracker Pie!

Ritz Crackers Chocolate Toffee

Ritz Crackers Chocolate Toffee

Yield: 12 pieces
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Sweet/salty, buttery, crunchy toffee covered in chocolate and your favorite topping.

Ingredients

  • 16-18 Ritz Crackers
  • 1/2 C butter
  • 1/2 C plus 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 C chocolate chips or your favorite meltable chocolate
  • Toppings of your choice - sliced almonds, pecans, crushed pretzels, crushed peppermint

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line an 8x8" pan with parchment paper, creasing the inside edges to lay flat.
  2. Place Ritz Crackers over the bottom of the pan, then fill in the spaces with the rest of the crackers (will kind of be 2 layers in parts).
  3. In a medium nonstick pan over medium heat , melt the butter and add the brown sugar, stirring to completely combine. Once the mixture starts boiling, do not stir. Turn to a medium simmer and cook for 3 minutes, again without stirring.
  4. Remove pan from the heat and pour carefully into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to the edges. Place the pan in the oven for 5 minutes.
  5. While the toffee is baking, put the chocolate chips into a microwave-proof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Take the bowl out and stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds, then stir until creamy. If not completely melted, microwave in additional 10 second increments, stirring between each.
  6. Remove the toffee from the oven and place on a sturdy wire rack for 2-3 minutes until not as wiggly hot (wiggly hot - technical chef term). Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the toffee and carefully spread to the edges.
  7. Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle the top with your favorite topping. I chose sliced almonds. Press toppings lightly into the chocolate, being careful because it's still fairly hot. Let cool for 2-3 hours until chocolate is firm (or if you're in a hurry, put in the refrigerator for an hour).
  8. Lift the toffee out of the pan and break into pieces.

Notes

Tips and Stuff:

This recipe is fairly straightforward, so not much to 'tip' you about.

Be very careful with the hot toffee mixture and DO NOT touch it while pouring into the pan so it won't burn you!

If you want a crunchier, thicker base, place a few more crackers around the bottom of the pan.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 piece
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 223Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 136mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 3g
© SusanB
Category: Candy

Caramel-Vanilla Peanut Brittle

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Peanut Brittle

This year for Christmas I’m trying a lot of new, different recipes. Why? I need to shake up the status quo, even though I love the old standard goodies.

I made a wonderful peanut brittle last year (Trisha Yearwood’s phenomenal recipe), but this Caramel-Vanilla Peanut Brittle from Stella Parks’s book, BraveTart caught my eye.

You use a vanilla bean to give it more of a real vanilla flavor, although you can stir in vanilla extract if you don’t have/don’t want to buy one. The brittle turns out to be caramely golden brown, sweet and full of crunchy peanuts. Everything you want in a good, go-to peanut brittle.

Peanut Brittle

If you’re looking for a new, tasty peanut brittle for your holiday tray, try this one and you won’t be disappointed!

Peanut Brittle

Caramel-Vanilla Peanut Brittle

Yield: about 1 lb.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Crunchy, deeply caramel peanut brittle for the holidays. 

Ingredients

  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1/3 C. (3 oz.) water
  • 1/2 C. (6 oz.) light corn syrup
  • 1 C. (7 oz.) granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp. (2 oz.) unsalted butter
  • 1 rounded C. (5 oz.) dry -roasted peanuts
  • 3/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Lightly butter an aluminum baking sheet. Have the baking soda and salt ready in a little bowl.
  2. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise with a paring knife and scrape the seeds from each.  Combine the water, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla seeds in a 3-quart stainless steel saucier (I used a Dutch oven) set over medium-low heat. 
  3. Gently stir the ingredients with a fork until the clear syrup is bubbling hard just around the edges, 4-5 minutes,  Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the mixture, without stirring, until the syrup is medium golden (8-10 minutes - approximately 300°).  Remove pan from heat.
  4. Immediately stir in the baking soda, salt, and peanuts and stir briskly until combined.  Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared pan and spread into a roughly 8x12" layer.  Let cool to room temperature, about an hour.
  5. Break the cooled brittle into pieces.  Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Notes

Tips and Stuff:

If you don't have or don't want to buy vanilla beans, add 1 tsp of vanilla after you remove it from the heat, after the soda and salt are added.

Stella Parks says you can use refined coconut oil instead of the butter if you prefer.  She also recommends Diamond Crystal kosher salt (I didn't have that brand, so used regular kosher salt.  If all you have is table salt, then only use a pinch.)

300° isn't written in stone - eyeball the color and don't let it get too dark.

Pour it quickly into the prepared pan - it will start to harden immediately.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 pieces Serving Size: 1 piece
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 23Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 95mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g

Nutrition Values are Approximate

© Stella Parks
Category: Candy

Easy Eggnog Fudge

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Easy Eggnog Fudge

I love eggnog! Sometimes it seems like I’m the only person around that likes it, but I’m going to take a chance that there are other eggnog lovers out there and post this Easy Eggnog Fudge.

The original recipe comes from Happy Life Blogspot, so thank you Lisa!

There are only six ingredients in this luscious fudge, including the ground nutmeg sprinkled on top as the final touch. It’s very straightforward to make, but always stay nearby your boiling candy because it can go from almost ready to oops too far quickly.

Eggnog Fudge

The eggnoggy fudge is very sweet, rather firm, and I love it. You can use pre-ground nutmeg, but fresh is best.

Fresh whole nutmeg will last almost indefinitely stored in your cabinet, so you can use it year after year on your holiday goodies.

Eggnog Fudge

I halved the original recipe. If you double it, use a 13×9″ pan.

It’s very sweet and rich, so a little of this Easy Eggnog Fudge goes a long way, so cut it into small pieces. It’s so pretty on a Christmas plate and gets snapped up quickly!

Eggnog Fudge

Easy Eggnog Fudge

Yield: 2 lb. of fudge (about 40 pieces)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Sweet, thick fudge that completes your holiday goodies platter.  Be sure and use fresh nutmeg!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 C. eggnog
  • 2 C. granulated sugar
  • 1 (12 oz) package white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 C butter
  • 5 oz. marshmallow cream (little more than half of a container) **
  • freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Line an 8x8" pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a large, nonstick sauce pan, combine the eggnog, and sugar.  Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, and bring to a boil.  Continue to constantly stir for 10 minutes while it boils. (Full 10 minutes so it won't be grainy!)
  3. Turn off the heat and add the white chocolate chips, butter, and marshmallow fluff.  Stir briskly until the chips are completely melted and smooth (be patient!)
  4. Pour the mixture into the foil-lined pan and spread evenly until smooth.  Sprinkle the top with a light dusting of fresh nutmeg.  Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour until firm.  Once it's thoroughly chilled, lift out of the pan and cut into 1" or so squares.  Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Tips and Stuff:

Cut the butter into pieces before putting into the pan to melt for easier combining.

**This is a firm fudge.  If you want it creamier, use the whole 7 oz. container of marshmallow fluff.

If you don't have fresh nutmeg, that's OK, just use what you have.

I halved the original recipe, so if you double, use a 13x9" pan.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 40 Serving Size: 1 piece
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 81Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 25mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 0g

Nutrition Values are Approximate

© Happy Life Blogspot
Category: Candy

Trisha Yearwood’s Peanut Brittle

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One more post before Christmas. You probably already have your Christmas goodies finished, but I wanted to get this one up in case you’re needing one more!

This Peanut Brittle is the first Trisha Yearwood recipe I’ve tried and it came out so well.

I questioned the tablespoon each of vanilla, baking soda and salt. A tablespoon of salt! But I was determined to make it like Trish (she lets me call her Trish) wrote it and I’m glad I did.

This peanut brittle came out great! It’s very buttery tasting and so flavorful. The best peanut brittle I’ve ever had.

You get to see our tiny little Christmas tree above. It’s perfect for us two and storing it after Christmas is a breeze (gently put a kitchen trash bag over it and put it back in the store room!). I have two candles on either side of it and at night it lights up nicely.

Anyway, back to the peanut brittle. The recipe is easy, but is a commitment because of the stirring and watching the candy thermometer slowly go to 300 degrees. Be sure and pour it out quickly after you stir in the butter, salt, and soda. It stars thickening immediately.

If you don’t get to make peanut brittle this Christmas, be sure and put it on your list for next year!

More Christmas candy that you need to make!

Trisha Yearwood's Peanut Brittle

Trisha Yearwood's Peanut Brittle

Yield: 3 lbs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Great Peanut Brittle.  Crunchy with an abundance of peanuts and just right on the flavoring. Read instructions before starting - you need to have all your ingredients in place before you start.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp vanilla
  • 1 Tbsp baking soda
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 3/4 C  butter
  • 3 C sugar
  • 1/2 C water
  • 1 C light corn syrup
  • 3 C shelled raw peanuts

Instructions

  1. Measure the vanilla into a small bowl and set aside.  Combine the baking soda and salt in another small bowl and set aside.  Butter two cookie sheets or a jelly roll pan thoroughly with 1/2 stick of butter.  Set nearby for easy access.  Cut the remaining butter into 1/4 inch slices (for easier melting) and set aside.  
  2. Combine the sugar, 1/2 cup water and corn syrup in a dutch oven or very large saucepan.  Bring to a boil on medium-low.  Boil to 240° (or until syrup spins a thread when poured from a spoon).  Stir in all of the nuts and continue cooking and stirring until golden brown (to 300°).
  3. As soon as the thermometer hits 300°, remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the butter, vanilla and baking soda/salt mixture. 
  4. Stir quickly until butter is melted and immediately pour half of the mixture onto one cookie sheet and then the other half on the other cookie sheet.  Spread evenly and thinly. 
  5. Cool for at least 2 hours until completely cooled, then break into pieces.  Store in a tightly covered container.

Notes

Tips and Stuff:

Be sure and have your vanilla and baking soda/salt ready in small bowls, and butter cut and ready, because when you take the pan off the heat you have to quickly stir the rest of the ingredients into the peanut mixture.

Getting the peanut mixture up to 300° takes about 30 minutes of stirring and waiting.  Be patient!

I couldn't really see the mixture turn golden brown because there were so many bubbles in it, so just make sure you get it to 300°.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1 piece
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 99Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 252mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 0g
© Trish Yearwood
Category: Candy