Advent Day 8: Pralines

Nuts are only mentioned once in the Bible, when Joseph demanded that Benjamin, second son to Rachel and Jacob, be brought with the rest of his brothers to retrieve grain, along with their brother Simeon, who was held hostage.  As a bribe, Jacob tells his sons:  "Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a present to the man—a little balm and a little honey, gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds."  (Genesis 43:11)

Now Joseph was definitely one to show hospitality, even to brothers who had sold him into slavery.  (Gen. 43:33-34) "When they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, the men looked at one another in amazement.  Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him." 

Joseph had certainly become a stranger to his brothers, for none of them recognized him in his adult form.  Yet he gave his brothers the grace of forgiveness, even while ensuring that his family would not starve during the famine that had hit the land.  He looked at the hardships he had endured as opportunities for him to serve as the hand of God, protecting the people and planning ahead.  We could all certainly learn from Joseph's example.

Southern Pralines

Makes 8 - 10 pralines

Ingredients:

• 1/2 stick butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 tbsp Karo syrup
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• Dash salt
• 1 cup pecans( more if you prefer)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in heavy saucepan.
2. Stir in brown and white sugar, salt, whipping cream, and Karo syrup. 
3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low. Cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly, making sure the mixture doesn't burn.
4. Add pecans. Stir and cook 5 minutes more at same temperature. (Temperature will reach about 200° on candy thermometer.)
5. Remove pan from heat. Add vanilla and stir vigorously to blend.
6. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto wax paper sprayed with vegetable oil. Allow to cool then store
7. immediately in tins. 

Recipe from Marcie Cherau.