Pecan Chocolate Pralines #SundaySupper
When I think of Mardi Gras, I think of hedonism at its peak. Drinking and eating whatever one wants and doing it with a true Southern flair. Pecan Chocolate Pralines, most definitely, are just what you need to party in style!
New Orleans is Mardi Gras. One of these years, when I get over my semi-phobia of being surrounded by hundreds of thousands of my nearest and dearest friends who have been drinking for hours on end, I am going to experience Mardi Gras in person. This is not that year!
I, actually, did not know that there was a religious significance to Mardi Gras until roughly ten years ago. I love learning with my family about holidays that we do not celebrate. Each child is assigned a part to research the history, geography and religious aspects of the holiday and I create a meal that features items relevant to that particular occasion. Then, we share our information over dinner.
This was how I learned that the hedonism of Mardi Gras actually was directly related to the beginning of Lent which starts the next day. No, I have no idea how some people manage to function the next day after all the partying, but that is a story for another day.
No one has a bigger or more welcoming dinner table than the Sunday Supper Movement. The hostess with the mostess for this week’s Mardi Gras party is Leslie from La Cocina de Leslie whom I thank for doing such a fabulous job!
Equally as fabulous are these Pecan Chocolate Pralines. They epitomize the very best of the South. They are sweet and filled with all kinds of sugar.
For the lucky folks for whom you are fixin’ to make a batch of Pecan Chocolate Pralines, well, all that I can say is they are going to love you to bits!
Watch it:
Pin it: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26106872814963775/
Pecan Chocolate Pralines #SundaySupper | Print |
- 2½ cups pecan halves, toasted
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 7 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, melted
- For the pecan chocolate pralines:
- Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine the brown sugar, sugar, cream, salt and cream of tartar in a medium size saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Stir over medium heat and use a pastry brush dipped in cold water to brush down the sugar crystals that build on sides of the pan. Once the sugar dissolves, attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Raise the heat to medium high and cook the mixture, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 238°.
- Remove from the heat and cool until the temperature drops to 220°. Add the butter and vanilla.
- Beat the mixture until it is creamy, about 5 minutes. It will also be a bit thicker. Stir in the pecans.
- Working quickly, scoop the pralines onto the prepared pans, 1 tablespoon at a time. Cool completely.
- Once the pralines are cool, drizzle melted chocolate over them.
- Store in a plastic container with wax paper or parchment paper in between the layers.
- Betsy's tidbits:
- The number of servings will vary depending on how large you make your pecan chocolate pralines.
- The chocolate may be eliminated if you prefer your naked pecan pralines. Yet, as a friend pointed out, “Everything is better with chocolate!”
Now a party just wouldn’t be as much fun without my fellow #SundaySupper bloggers. Be sure to check out all of the delicious recipes they have posted and then, get busy fixin’ your own big ol’ Mardi Gras party!
Cocktails & Other Beverages:
- The Hurricane Cocktail Recipe from An Appealing Plan
- The French 75 from Kimchi MOM
- Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Appetizers:
- Fried Oysters and Remoulade from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Shrimp in Mustard Sauce from Noshing With The Nolands
- Mini Sweet Potato Pies from MealDiva
- Cajun Crab Beignets from Delaware Girl Eats
- Pancetta and Mushroom Arancini from Ruffles & Truffles
Main Dishes:
- Creole Shrimp Po Boy Recipe from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Chicken and Sausage Gumbo from Supper for a Steal
- Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya from Yours And Mind Are Ours
- Vegan Pizza Waffles from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
- Red Beans and Rice from Cookin’ Mimi
- Baked Catfish Po’Boy from Curious Cuisiniere
- Muffaletta from Casa de Crews
- Bayou Seafood and Andouille Jambalaya from The Weekend Gourmet
- Seafood Gumbo from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Cajun Rice & Beans from Momma’s Meals
- Creole Celery Root Bisque (with Lobster) from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Louisiana Roasted Barbecue Shrimp from Food Lust People Love
- Cajun Dirty Rice Bowls from The Dinner-Mom
- New Orleans Fried Chicken from Family Foodie
Side Dishes:
- Baked Endive and Pears in Blue Cream Sauce from Shockingly Delicious
- Okra Creole from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Desserts:
- Banana Creme Pie with Honey Whipped Cream and Pecan Brittle from The Foodie Patootie
- Chocolate Ganache Tart from Melanie Makes
- Banana Bread Pudding from Gotta Get Baked
- Delicious Saffron Baked Beignets from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- New Orleans Bread Pudding with Caramel Whiskey Sauce from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Polish Paczki from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Buttermilk Beignets from The Messy Baker
- Eggless Bread Pudding in a Jar from What Smells So Good?
- Mint Julep Bars from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Mardi Gras Cupcakes w/ Cinnamon Frostingfrom Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Mardi Gras Long Johns from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Mexican Chocolate Coffee Cake from La Cocina de Leslie
- Fasnetküchle from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Cheesecake Swirl Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Pecan and Chocolate Pralines from Desserts Required
- Chocolate Raspberry Cake from Clarks Condensed
- Baked Coconut Beignets from Mess Makes Food
- Ravioli dolci di Carnevale from Manu’s Menu
- Strawberry Paczki from Neighborfood
- Blackberry Fritters from girlichef
- Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake from Magnolia Days
- Flourless Chocolate Cake in a Mug w/ Coconut Cream from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Pecan Bars from Pies and Plots
- “Skinny Tuesday” Bananas Foster Cheesecake Parfaits from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Mocha Pear Cake from Happy Baking Days
- Skinny Baked Beignets from Daily Dish Recipes
