Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pan over medium heat and stir constantly (very important!) until mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Continue to stir and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. At this point mixture should be at "softball stage" (about 238-240 degrees F), meaning when a small glob of mixture is dropped into water, it will form a "ball" that will hold its shape on the hand before slowly beginning to "droop".

2. Stir mixture until it thickens (again stirring constantly), becomes creamy and cloudy, and pecans stay suspended in mixture.

3. Spoon out (in desired size) onto buttered waxed paper, aluminum foil or parchment paper (if using waxed paper, be sure to place a sheet of newspaper underneath it, as hot wax can transfer to whatever is beneath).

4. Allow to cool until "set" and then store in an airtight container until ready to use. These can be frozen, too, and stored for up to 6 weeks before serving. Remove from freezer a few hours before serving and allow to come to room temperature.

Other options: Make flavored pralines by adding to this recipe 1/2 cup of other desired flavor or ingredient such as chocolate chips, coconut, peanut butter or butterscotch chips.

For Praline Sauce:
Add 1/2 cup corn syrup to mixture. Use as dessert sauce over baked goods, pies, ice cream, and more.