For Christmas this year, we decided we are going to have a Creole theme again.  Cary went to Millsaps College where he was exposed to quite a bit of Cajun or Creole cuisine, so this is a nod to his time there.  We plan on making our shrimp Creole again and pralines.

To make pralines, you’ll need:

• 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar
• 6 Tbsp of butter
• 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 Tablespoon of vanilla
• 1 and 1/2 cups of pecans

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and heat to the softball stage (238 – 240°).  Stir constantly.

Once the temperature is reached, remove from heat and continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and a little cloudy.  The pecans should be suspended in the mixture.  Spoon on to parchment paper.  Let the pralines cool for a few minutes and enjoy!