Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs

Advertisements

The Pecan Log isn’t a candy that you see everywhere, but that wasn’t always the case. Popularized by Stuckey’s in the ’30s, a roadside farmstand created by a pecan farmer in Georgia, it eventually become a treat that reached far and wide as Stuckey’s locations expanded. Eventually, that pecan candy become synonymous with road trips for so many people and to this day, that chewy caramel-pecan coating and vanilla nougat center are something to look forward to. Lucky for all of us, if you can’t find this treat near you, you can make your own at home. It makes a great gift for friends and family and a wonderful addition to your Christmas cookie plate!

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup dry powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 oz prepared caramels
• 4-5 tablespoons milk
• 4 cups chopped pecans

PREPARATION

1. Grease a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. To a medium pot or Dutch oven, add the butter, corn syrup, and granulated sugar and set over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and mixture is combined.
3. Continue stirring until mixture has come to a simmer, then remove from heat.
4. Stir in powdered sugar, powdered milk, and vanilla. The mixture will become thick. Press mixture into greased baking dish and let rest until cool to the touch, about 30 minutes.
5. Cut mixture into 4 even strips, then slice down the center so you have 8 equal pieces.
6. Remove one slice, place on a piece of parchment paper, and roll to form a log. Place on a baking sheet, then repeat with remaining filling slices. Transfer to freezer until solid, 1-2 hours.
7. Once frozen solid, make the coating:
8. Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with water and place over medium heat. Place caramels and 4 tablespoons milk in the bowl, and stir constantly until melted.
9. Spread out chopped pecans in a shallow dish.
10. Using a fork, dip filling logs into caramel, making sure all filling is coated. Roll coated log in pecans, pressing gently to ensure pecans stick and whole log is coated.
11. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment and repeat with remaining logs. Slice into 1/2-inch slices and serve. Enjoy!