Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This pecan candy recipe with evaporated milk is the perfect answer. Forget complicated techniques and long baking times; this recipe delivers rich, buttery pecan candy with a delightful chewiness in a fraction of the time. It's a fantastic homemade cooking project, ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe for a truly delectable dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Get started: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, and butter.
Cook the mixture: Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, continue cooking without stirring, allowing the mixture to reach 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the crucial soft-crack stage, ensuring the perfect texture. Keep a close eye on it!
Add pecans and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves. Mix well to coat the pecans evenly.
Pour and cool: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to about ¼ inch thickness. Let it cool completely at room temperature. This is important to allow the candy to set properly.
Cut and serve: Once completely cooled and hardened, break or cut the candy into pieces. Store your delicious homemade pecan candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pecan Candy:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is essential for achieving the correct soft-crack stage. Inaccurate temperature will result in candy that is either too hard or too soft.
- Don't stir after the sugar dissolves: Stirring after the sugar dissolves can cause crystallization.
- Work quickly once removed from heat: The mixture cools and sets quickly, so be efficient when adding the pecans and vanilla.
- Cool completely: Impatience here can result in a sticky mess. Let the candy cool thoroughly before cutting.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced pecan candy.
- Nutty variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
- Chocolate delight: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled candy for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on serving size and variations)
- Fat: High (due to nuts and butter)
- Sugar: High
This easy pecan candy recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!). It’s a wonderful example of delicious dishes achievable even with limited cooking experience. Enjoy this delightful treat, and remember to share it with your loved ones! It's the perfect homemade gift, too!