Lela's Buttermilk Pralines

Lela is a childhood friend of mine as well as an incredible designer. Not only is she a talented designer but she is also a great cook. Below is a recipe passed down from her grandfather. Grandpa John’s Buttermilk Pralines:

• 2 Cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (you can also use almonds, walnuts or your nut of choice-or a combination)

What to do: Mix sugar, buttermilk, cream and baking soda in a heavy, medium size sauce pan. Cook over medium low heat, stirring occasionally to keep mixture from burning when thickens. When a candy thermometer placed in the mixture reaches 236 degrees, remove saucepan from heat and stir with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. Add vanilla and butter and beat until thick and creamy. Quickly add a cup of chopped nuts and return pan to low heat to keep the mixture from seizing up. Using a spoon, drop small cookie-size portions onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Allow to cool completely. Wrap each praline in plastic. Grandpa John’s Buttermilk Pralines

Yields: 25-30 small pralines