The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in the delightful sweetness of Holiday Pecan Logs? These scrumptious treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to friends, or simply savoring as a special holiday treat. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delectable pecan logs and provide you with some helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly. Let’s get started on this festive culinary adventure!
Who Will Love This Recipe?
Holiday Pecan Logs are a beloved treat for various reasons:
- Holiday Enthusiasts: If you’re someone who eagerly awaits the holiday season, these pecan logs will add a touch of festive cheer to your celebrations.
- Gift Givers: Homemade gifts always have a special touch, and these pecan logs are perfect for gifting to friends, family, or coworkers.
- Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: If you have a sweet tooth that craves a combination of caramel, pecans, and confectioners’ sugar, these logs will surely satisfy your cravings.
- Aspiring Candy Makers: This recipe is an excellent opportunity to hone your candy-making skills and impress your loved ones with homemade treats.
Helpful Tips
Here are some valuable tips to make your pecan log-making experience even smoother:
- Warm the Candy for Rolling: If the candy becomes too hard to roll, warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it pliable again.
- Use a Bowl for Coating: When coating the logs in caramel and pecans, use a medium to large-sized bowl. This allows you to cover the sides with pecans and easily dip the ends without burning your fingers.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons plus 1/2 cup of butter, softened, divided
- 3-3/4 cups of confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup of nonfat dry milk powder
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 package (14 ounces) of caramels
- 1 tablespoon of milk or half-and-half cream
- 2 cups of chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Begin by buttering an 8-inch square pan with 2 teaspoons of butter; set it aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and milk powder; set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel
In a heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the confectioners' sugar and milk powder mixture, about a third at a time, until it's all blended. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool, but not completely, or you'll have to reheat it later.
Step 6: Shape the Logs
Cut the cooled candy into four strips and then cut each strip in half. Shape each piece into a log, then wrap them individually in waxed paper and twist the ends. Freeze or refrigerate the logs until they are firm.
Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels with milk, stirring often. Heat it for 3 minutes, stirring every minute. You may need to reheat it a few times.
Step 8: Coat the Logs
Dip each log in the caramel mixture, then in the chopped pecans. Make sure to leave the ends open for easy handling. Dip the ends in caramel and then in pecans.
Step 9: Wrap and Store
Wrap each pecan log in waxed paper and store them at room temperature in airtight containers. When you're ready to indulge, slice them into perfect rounds with a serrated knife.
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