Bacon Pralines

These classic pralines show exactly why bacon can be a dessert’s best friend. This recipe is quick but precise, so make sure you have a candy thermometer on hand.

This recipe is featured in our Loveless Cafe Cookbook!

Servings: 75 Pralines

Ingredients

• 5 cups sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cups pecan pieces
• ½ cup butter, cut into pats
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ pound Loveless Cafe Applewood Smoked Country Bacon, cooked crisp and finely chopped

Directions

1. Pour 1 cup sugar in a heavy saucepan over high heat. Do not stir. Instead, tilt pan from side to side until sugar melts and turns to a dark amber color (approximately 10 minutes).
2. While sugar is caramelizing, combine heavy cream, remaining 4 cups sugar, and pecans in a large pot and bring to a low boil.
3. Slowly pour caramelized sugar into cream mixture, stirring constantly. Mixture will bubble considerably.
4. Cook on high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches at least 234 degrees, but no more than 240 degrees, on a candy thermometer.
5. Stir in butter and lemon juice.
6. Turn off heat and stir in chopped bacon. Keep stirring slowly, until mixture starts to cool and becomes a hazy brown color.
7. Drop spoonfuls onto a sheet of parchment paper and let cool before serving.