NEW ORLEANS PRALINE RECIPES

Steps:

• Grease 2 baking sheets; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in sugars, then the cream; cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 236° (soft-ball stage), about 20 minutes. , Remove from the heat; stir in the pecan halves, chopped pecans and bourbon. Immediately drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Let stand until pralines are set and no longer glossy. Store in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350° F. Spray 13 x 9-inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
• In large microwavable bowl, microwave 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1/2 cup chopped pecans uncovered on High 1 minute or until mixture is bubbling and hot.
• In another large bowl, beat cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, then on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in pecan mixture. Pour into pan.
• Bake 30 to 36 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on cooling rack, about 1 hour.
• In 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups brown sugar and the whipping cream to boiling, stirring frequently. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in 2 cups pecans. Cool 10 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until frosting begins to thicken. Spread warm frosting over cake. Cool before cutting.