Here’s a recipe for Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter. Set it aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted completely. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a temperature of 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. This will take approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves, ensuring that all the pecans are coated evenly.
- Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can use a greased spoon or an ice cream scoop to shape the candies. Leave enough space between each candy to allow them to spread slightly.
- Let the candies cool completely at room temperature until they are firm and set. This process may take about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once the candies have cooled and hardened, you can remove them from the baking sheet. If they stick, gently pry them off using a butter knife or spatula.
- Store the Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain fresh for up to two weeks.
Enjoy your homemade Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies!
Note: Be cautious when working with hot sugar mixtures as they can cause severe burns. Handle the mixture with care and avoid touching it directly until it has cooled.