Imagine a rainy afternoon where the smell of toasted nuts fills the kitchen, mingling with a hint of warm spices and caramel. This is the moment I decided to experiment with a new sous-vide technique to create an elevated take on classic pralines. The result was a batch of beautifully crafted, spiced pralines that not only looked stunning but also tasted divine. Let’s dive into the process!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • Edible gold leaf (for decoration, optional)

Instructions

Prepare your sous-vide immersion circulator by preheating the water bath to 185°F (85°C).

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes without stirring, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Add the vanilla extract, sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the pecan halves in a vacuum-sealable bag. Pour the cooled caramel mixture over the nuts, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag using a vacuum sealer, making sure to remove as much air as possible.

Submerge the sealed bag into the preheated water bath and let it cook for 1 hour. This sous-vide method allows the nuts to absorb the flavors while ensuring they stay perfectly crunchy.

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the bag from the water bath and let it cool slightly.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Open the bag, and using a fork, carefully scoop out the praline mixture, spreading it out onto the parchment-lined sheet. Allow the pralines to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Once set, break the pralines into clusters or cut them into squares, depending on your preferred presentation. For an extra touch of elegance, you can apply small pieces of edible gold leaf on top of each praline.

Serve your modern spiced pralines on a decorative platter, and watch as they disappear in a flash—each bite delivering a perfect blend of crunch, warmth, and sweetness. Enjoy your innovative take on a timeless classic!