Easy Pretzel Pralines

I still had some of the stick pretzels left from making the Not Pecan Pie Bars and some evaporated milk leftover from the post on Tuesday so I decided that I would give making pralines with pretzels a try.  I adapted a recipe I had for Easy Pralines which uses graham cracker crumbs.

The recipe called for 2 cups of miniature marshmallows which I did not have.  I often substitute cut-up whole marshmallows in recipes calling for miniature ones.  I use a pair of kitchen shears with wet blades and cut the whole marshmallows into 8 pieces.  This makes the pieces the approximate size of miniature marshmallows.  This usually works very well.

When the candy is done, you must work very, very quickly in dropping the candy onto the wax paper.  Use two tablespoons to do this.  Spooning with one spoon and removing from the first spoon with the second one.  If the candy sets up too fast, try adding a little bit of hot water to the mixture.

Break the stick pretzels into about 1/4-inch pieces. You will need 1 cup of the broken pretzels.  If you want to use pecans instead of pretzels in this recipe use 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans and 1 t. vanilla.  Omit the 2 T. butter.

Easy Pretzel Pralines
1 c. 1/4-inch pretzel pieces
2 T. butter
1 sleeve graham crackers crushed into crumbs
1/2 c. unsalted butter
2 c. sugar
1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk, 2/3 c.
2 c. miniature marshmallows
1/2 t. butterscotch flavoring (opt.)
1/2 t. rum extract

Melt butter over medium heat in a medium-size skillet.  Add pretzels, stir and heat over medium heat until lightly toasted.  Watch carefully.  Pour pretzels and graham cracker crumbs in a large bowl.  Set aside.  Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Add sugar and evaporated milk.  Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently.  Boil and stir constantly for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Add marshmallows, butterscotch, and rum extract.  Stir until marshmallows melt.  Stir in graham cracker crumb mixture until well blended.  Working quickly, drop tablespoonfuls of warm mixture onto waxed paper; cool.  Store in airtight container.  Makes about 4 dozen pralines.

Tomorrow-Hidden Brownie Squares made with the Homemade Brownie Mix

Linking to:  Strut Your Stuff Saturday
Sweets for a Saturday