Microwave Pralines - A Treat Any Time of the Year

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    I was recently planning a Mardi Gras themed engagement party and deciding on a menu.  We decided on the main courses to be chicken and sausage gumbo (check out my turkey gumbo recipe at the provided link)--the groom's favorite and a crawfish pasta (see the link).  We also had mini muffuletta sandwiches which are very popular in New Orleans, and a large charcuterie with Cajun pepper jellies, smoked sausages, Hog's Head Cheese, Tasso and pickled okra.  For dessert, our friend made her famous King Cake and another friend made Mardi Gras themed cookies in the colors of Mardi Gras--purple, green and gold.

    I wanted to add something to the menu that I had not made for or 25 years.  I got this recipe from a co-worker at my first job out of college.  Since then I've seen many recipes but I think this is the best.  You must use a high sided microwave safe bowl because there will be lots of bubbling up!



Microwave Pralines


Yield: 1 1/2 dozen


Ingredients


2 cups sugar

2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

3/4 cup buttermilk or whole milk

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons softened butter

1 teaspoon baking soda


Instructions


  1. In a large microwave safe bowl with high sides (this is important because I used a shallow bowl and it bubbled over and made a mess), combine all of the ingredients except the baking soda.
  2. Microwave on high heat for 12 minutes total, stirring at four minute intervals with a silicone spatula.
  3. While it is cooking, place a long sheet of wax paper on the counter.
  4. After 12 minutes of cooking, stir in the baking soda.  It will start to foam.
  5. Return it to the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute.  This step helps the color develop.
  6. Stir it well and drop by teaspoons  onto the wax paper.  It will immediately start to harden so work quickly.  


*I like to scrape any thing that is left in the bowl out into crumbs which are great on top of ice cream!


Turkey Bone Gumbo


Crawfish MiMi Pasta


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