Pecan Penuche

A delicious brown sugar fudge loaded with crunchy pecans.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups packed dark brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Cooking Directions:

1. Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with lightly buttered waxed paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. Combine sugar, milk and salt in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, cover with a lid briefly to get any sugar crystals off the sides of the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, to firm ball stage (248°F | 120°C), or until a small amount of mixture is dropped into cold water and forms a ball that holds until pressed. Remove from heat.
4. Add the butter and let cool to room temperature, without stirring.
5. Beat with a heavy wooden spoon until it starts to thicken; add the vanilla and pecans and continue to beat until candy loses some of its gloss.
6. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. When firm, invert pan; peel off waxed paper and cut into 1-inch squares, if desired. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Makes 64 (1-inch) squares.