Pecan Pralines Southern-style

Description
Southern decadence at it finest! These are enough to make a New Orleans native like me homesick. Cook time includes cooling time. Recipe from Foodtv.com (but its almost as good as MawMaw's recipe).



Ingredients

 * 1 cup pecans
 * ¼ cup heavy cream
 * ¼ cup unsalted butter
 * 1 cup + 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 * 1 teaspoon bourbon (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 325°F.
 * 2) Spread the pecans on a cookie sheet and place in the oven for 3 minutes.
 * 3) Stir and bake for 3 more minutes (watch them closely so the don't get over toasted).
 * 4) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
 * 5) Fit a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a candy thermometer.
 * 6) Over high heat, cook the cream, butter and brown sugar to 240°F (soft ball).
 * 7) If necessary, stir once to help dissolve the sugar.
 * 8) Remove from the heat and let sit for 15 seconds.
 * 9) Carefully stir in the vanilla, bourbon, and toasted pecans. It might spit and sputter.
 * 10) Stir until the mixture looks creamy and slightly thickened.
 * 11) Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet.
 * 12) Cool for 20 minutes.