Maple Pecan Pralines
Makes about 2 dozen
3 cups sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 cups pecan pieces
2 teaspoons maple flavoring
Combine the sugar, milk, corn syrup, butter and cream of tartar in a heavy
pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in the pecan pieces and
cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until the mixture reaches the
soft ball stage (about 239 degrees on a candy thermometer).
Remove from the heat and stir in the maple flavoring.
Beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture is creamy and begins to thicken,
5 to 8 minutes.
Working quickly, drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Cool, lift with a thin
knife and store in an airtight container.