This past year was one of many challenges, stemming from Covid19, civil unrest, and skyrocketing unemployment. On the contrary, I believe that 2021 will be a year filled with amazing opportunities for growth and giving back to those in need.
For example, this year I will be launching a spice line and I’ve partnered with two Louisiana based companies, Dat Sauce in Morgan City and Dr. Bill’s Cane and Maple Syrup in New Orleans. I have also extended my class offerings with The Chef and The Dish by adding more fun and exciting online cooking classes. My growth has positioned me to support the cause of my choice, which is Breaking the Chains Foundation.
I stay focused by writing my goals down each morning and crossing them out at the end of the day. This allows me to see my growth and accomplishments in action. No matter the size of our goals this year let’s do ourselves a favor and get after them.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup Dr. Bill’s Cane and Maple Syrup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-size heavy pot combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, Dr. Bill’s Syrup, milk and butter. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue to cook until the temperature reaches between 240-250 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
- When the candy reaches the desired temperature add the vanilla and pecans. Continue to stir a couple more minutes with a wooden spoon until the candy is slightly thicker.
- Using a small cookie dough scoop work quickly to drop the candy one scoop at a time onto the parchment paper.
- If the candy hardens too much add a teaspoon of hot water at a time and stir to loosen it as needed.
- Cool until they pralines have reached room temperature, then serve.
- Pralines can store in an airtight container for 2 weeks and freeze for 2 months.
Community Service
Did you know that eating disorders range from anorexia to food hoarding and everything in between? The goal at Breaking the Chains is to fight back against the prevalence of eating disorders, disordered eating, and negative body image and to strengthen the links of prevention, recovery, and ending stigma. Please support our March 2021 fundraiser on Facebook Live to support those affected by this disease. Click the following link for more information.