Sweet Traditions

December 22, 2009

We have been making these yummy treats every December since Noah was about two years old. Got the original "recipe" from Family Fun magazine and it just doesn't feel like the holidays without them. Perfect for little hands. Pretty in little gift bags or on a cookie platter. And perfect because there are only three ingredients. Each year we play around with the candy combinations. But the general favorite seems to be a Hershey's Kiss topped with an M&M. I guess this is how traditions get started and carried on. This year I found myself missing the traditional pralines that my Ganny would make every Christmas. Little pieces of pecan sweetness individually wrapped in tin foil and packaged up for friends and family. I loved those. Wish I had learned to make them while she was still alive. I gave it a try last week but it didn't work. I think pralines are one of those things that take practice, good weather (no humidity!), and learning in person. Must get my mom to show me during my next trip home. That's a holiday tradition I'd like to share with my kids in addition to our pretzel candies. What's happening in your kitchen these days? Have any sweet holiday traditions or good recipes to share?
M said...

Hi! I love your blog! I am also from Louisiana, and making pralines is a Christmas tradition that my Grandmother has always carried out. In the last 10 years or so, she's passed the torch to me, and every year for Christmas I crank out LOADS of pralines and chocolate truffles. I'm not sure if the pralines you are used to are the New Orleans type or not, but I have my Grandmother's time-tested recipe that I use EVERY SINGLE YEAR, and I'd be happy to pass it on to you if you like. They're sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious! They're not that difficult to make either, if you have candy thermometer you can get them perfect on the first try! If you're interested, just let me know!
M :)
http://Mandthe2Henrys.blogspot.com
http://HomemakerPhD.blogspot.com

boatbaby said...

Mmmmmmm - those look sinful! We've started making dark chocolates barks of every variety. Melt a pound or more or dark chocolate, spread on wax paper, then put whatever on top. Almonds, candy canes, lavender, swirled in white chocolate, etc. Then we pop it in the freezer and break them up and wrap for friends. The favorite seems to be the almond if I use roasted, salty almonds. This year I am also trying candied chocolate orange peels that I found on Gardenmama blog. Mmmmmmm.
Thanks for sharing!!

Juniper said...

These look fun to make and perfect for little hands! How ever did you find m&ms and Hershey's kisses?!
Will be attempting a gingerbread house in the coming days, may have to have a big glass of mulled wine before starting- it can be hectic/manic when there is frosting and candy and cookies around! The pralines sound delightful, have never tried one myself.

Cami said...

Those look delish! I've been missing the orange peel candy my mom used to make. I'm so behind on your blog! Trying to catch up now . . .

Alyson and Ford said...

They looks so fun and easy to make. I think AA and I will do that this afternoon!
Merry Christmas!

Alyzabeth's Mommy

Corinne said...

I love the Christmas candy I make, but it's not really something the kids can help with :) I love your treat!! These look great!

Madeline said...

I make dozens of these every year for the cookie exchange and my girlfriends are addicted! My favorite combination is a milk chocolate hershey kiss and a mint m&m. A mint hershey kiss and a green or red m&m works great too...

aimee said...

oh my goodness!! i went on a production run of candies yesterday to rival factory output levels, and they are almost exactly the same as yours except i put rolos on the pretzels instead of a hershey's kiss. just stick a rolo on a waffle pretzel, heat at 200 degrees for four minutes and then plop a peanut m&m on top. evil and easy!

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