PECAN NOUGAT RECIPES

Steps:

• Butter an 8-in. square pan with 2 teaspoons butter; set aside. Combine confectioners sugar and milk powder; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, sugar and corn syrup; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Stir in confectioners' sugar mixture, about a third at a time, until blended. , Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Continue stirring until the mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon. Spread into prepared pan. Cool. , Cut candy into four strips; cut each strip in half. Shape each into a log; wrap in waxed paper and twist ends. Freeze or refrigerate until firm. , Meanwhile, in a microwave, melt caramels with milk, stirring often. Roll logs in caramel mixture, then in pecans. Wrap in waxed paper. Store at room temperature in airtight containers. Cut into slices with a serrated knife.

Steps:

• Combine butter, corn syrup, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture just begins to boil, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in powdered sugar, powdered milk, vanilla, and salt. Continue stirring until mixture begins to clump, about 2 minutes.
• Spread mixture in a parchment paper-lined 9-inch square baking pan. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Cut candy into 4 equal strips; cut crosswise in middle, creating 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a 4 1/2- to 5-inch-long log, and wrap in parchment paper or wax paper. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
• Melt caramel and cream in top of a double boiler over medium. Place chopped pecans on a rimmed baking sheet. Unwrap frozen candy logs. Carefully dip each log into hot caramel, letting excess drip off. Roll in chopped pecans until evenly coated. Wrap in parchment paper or wax paper, and store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Cut each log into 4 pieces to serve.