http://vimeo.com/59123391#

Feel like some pralines?

This recipe is very simple. You can make the pralines without a thermometer, but using one makes it a no brainer.

I love chewy pralines, which is what I made here, but I also love the classic opaque crunchier ones. to make those, just stir for a little longer at the end if you want yours to set up firmer.

Pralines

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper or non-stick foil.

2. In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and corn syrup, and cream. Over medium heat, stir mixture constantly with a wooden spoon until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook to a soft ball stage, approximately 236℉ on a candy thermometer (this takes about 6 minutes).

3. Remove mixture from heat, and place butter in center of mixture. Do not stir. Let stand until mixture is 150℉, about 10 minutes.

4. Add the vanilla and nuts, and beat with a spoon by hand. If you stop here you will get soft, gooey candy like I made. To make more traditional pralines continue to stir for approximately 2 minutes or until candy is slightly thick and begins to lose its gloss. Quickly drop heaping tablespoons onto waxed paper. If the candy becomes stiff, add a few drops of hot water.

Recipe from Cooking With Paula Deen Magazine

Alan Bonner, a singer-songwriter based in London, has a new album ‘Balladeer’ out on March 4th.

This is a quiet record with beautiful tracks mostly set to piano. When I listen to Balladeer, I feel like Mr. Bonner is right here in the room with me, spilling his heart out. Quite emotional, many of the songs.

I love the piano filled tunes, but “Lighthouse Song” is the standout track for me. I’m completely captivated by the cheerful pluck of the guitar and the clapping which are completely out of harmony with the angst filled lyrics.

Check out Alan Bonner on his Website, where you can link to buy the music. Here are some upcoming tour dates:

FEB 5th— THE TROUBADOUR, LONDON
MARCH 7th—- WEST ST LIVE, SHEFFIELD
MARCH 12th— THE SHED, LEICESTER
MARCH 18th– MR WOLFS, BRISTOL
MARCH 21st— THE BRUNSWICK, HOVE
MARCH 27th— THE UNDERBELLY, HOXTON LONDON

You can also stream ‘Balladeer’ on Soundcloud.

Cheers!