Miracle Pralines (Microwave)

Microwave Pralines

1 box (1 pound) light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 container (1/2 pint) heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups mixed coarsely chopped and whole pecans

Line 2 baking pans with parchment paper or wax paper; set aside. Combine the brown sugar and salt in a 2-quart oversize glass measuring cup or other microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the cream. Heat on High (100 percent power) 6 minutes. Remove from microwave; stir mixture.

Return to microwave; heat on High (100 percent power) until mixture reaches the softball stage when registered with a candy thermometer, about 7 minutes. Remove from microwave. Immediately stir in butter and extract. Stir with a wooden spoon, about 30 seconds to 1 minutes. (Unlike stovetop pralines, microwave pralines should not be beaten long.)

Stir in pecans. Drop by tablespoons on to prepared pans. Set aside 5 minutes. Remove from pans with a spatula. Transfer to a plate; set aside 10 minutes. Store in covered airtight container up to 10 days.