Pralines are very easy to make. You cook sugar and some other ingredients until it gets to the soft ball stage, and then the recipe says to mix it with a wooden spoon for 10 minutes. I really did not want to do that, so I used my mixer. While it was mixing, I was doing dishes, and I accidentally beat the heck out of it. It should be soft and smooth--almost caramely. Mine turned back into a soft sugar. I formed some of them into balls, and the rest of them became sugar-coated pecans. This is perfect for me because I can use those on salads this week.
I think pralines would make a great gift, so I'll probably make these again during the holidays. But this time I'll pay attention! Check out Shawnda's blog to get the recipe, and be sure to go to the Project Pastry Queen website to see everyone else's take on the recipe.