February 03, 2005
Scutterbotch Pralines
Surely other people call the pudding by that name. After all, there was a pasta restaurant in Chicago called Busghetti, and I know a sawed-off jarhead who shakes a tower by way of bathing. Anyway, as in the ice cream recipe a while back, the pudding adds both flavor and reliable consistancy.
1 4-serving-size pkg. cook-and-serve butterscotch pudding mix
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 cups toasted pecan halves (see below)
Line cookie sheet with waxed paper; set aside.
In 2-quart saucepan, combine pudding mix, granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils (about 12 minutes). Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan. Reduce heat to medium-low; continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, stirring frequently, until thermometer registers 234F, soft-ball (fast pitch) stage (8 to 10 minutes). Remove saucepan from heat. Remove candy thermometer. Stir in pecans. Beat with a wooden spoon until candy just begins to thicken but is still glossy (about 3 minutes). Working quickly, drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet. (If candy sets up too much, add a few drops of hot water and stir until smooth again.) Let stand until firm. Makes about 30 pieces.
You can get toasted pecans from the fancy nut shops, but they are easy to do and you can save a tad. It's pretty much just coat them with melted butter and set on a cookie sheet in a 350F oven. A quarter stick should do for a cup and a half of nuts. Some people add seasonings to the butter. The hot sauce and whatsthishere sauce are great for munchie nuts, but out of place here. A quarter teaspoon of cake spice stirred into the butter would work far better here. Once she nuts start to brown, turn off the oven, but leave the nuts in till it cools down.
While on the subject of recipes, I need some help formulating a mixed drink which I have in mind. What else besides blended American Whiskey and Mango nectar would go into a Foxtrot?
Posted by triticale at February 3, 2005 09:21 PM