Pecan Pralines By Carol Ritchie   Makes about 24 pralines  Last minute gifts can be challenging, but when you take the time to prepare  something special from the kitchen and team it with a unique culinary gift, you’ll impress loved ones with lasting memories. 1/2 cup water  1/2 cup light corn syrup  2 cups sugar  2 cups pecan pieces  4 tablespoons butter  1 tablespoon vanilla extract Prepare a surface for pralines to cool and set: Lightly grease a large cookie  sheet, a cold sheet of marble, or waxed paper (on a flat surface). In a heavy  gauge saucepan, combine water, corn syrup, sugar, and pecans, and heat on  medium, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes.  Bring mixture to a boil and "swirl" the pan occasionally. Let it boil until the  temperature reads 240° F on a candy thermometer or until a small spoonful of  the mixture dropped into ice-cold water forms a soft ball shape when picked up  with fingers (soft ball stage), about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat and  add butter and vanilla, stirring well with a clean spoon. Let candy cool,  stirring occasionally, in the pan, about 15 to 20 minutes. Using a wooden  spoon, stir candy rapidly until mixture turns creamy and thick, about 1 minute.  Drop pralines, by heaping tablespoon, onto the prepared cooling surface---they  will become firm (and ready to eat!) rather quickly, about ! 10 to 30 minutes. When pralines are completely set, wrap in decorative plastic  wrap and proudly give to friends and family---or indulge yourself! Read Carol Ritchie's other Archived articles! Click here. Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com