Recipe: Microwave Chocolate Pralines

MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE PRALINES

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, broken into quarters
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a 3-quart microwave-safe bowl, combine the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, milk and salt. Cover with waxed paper and cook on high (100 percent power) for 5 minutes.

Add the chocolate, butter and pecans, stirring well until chocolate melts.

Cook uncovered on high 4 to 6 more minutes or until mixture reaches the
soft-ball stage (indicated when a small amount of the hot syrup dropped into ice water forms a ball and retains its shape when picked up).

Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Beat mixture 1 to 2 minutes or just until it thickens slightly.

Using teaspoon, drop the mixture onto waxed paper. If it becomes too thick, stir in a little hot water.

Makes about 1 pound.

Source: The Sugar Association in The Item newspaper,
of Sumter, SC, Wednesday, April 22, 1992.