Christmas Treat

My very own favorite holiday traditional treat, is Marzipan Mice. The reason I make these is pure nostalgia. I spent 6 years in Germany growing up, and just the taste of Marzipan sends me back remembering when I lived there, especially Christmas season and the chilly afternoons, at the Outdoor Christmas Market. The lavish displays of colorful marzipan fruits, and the way the air smelled of Liebkuchen (gingerbread in the shape of giant hearts, with your loved ones name in icing decorating the top), hand carved pine Christmas trees in sizes from tiny to tall. Bratwurst sizzling on the out door griddles and caramel bubbling in copper cauldrens to turn out the beloved warm candy coated nuts. Yum~
I try to recreat all of these things at out house, where ever that may be. But, the one which I turn out to my own enjoyment every year are the mice! Instructions to follow, soon!!!

Crispy Cream Louisiana Pralines

Recipe:
1 1/2 cup white sugar,
3/4 cup (packed)brown sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons Half & Half
1/2 stick butter
1 1/2 cup pecan halves
1 tsp. vanilla
In a sauce pan, place the sugars, Half & half and butter. Stir. Bring to slow boil over med. low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to soft ball stage. I made these without the candy thermometer, but it would read about 239 degrees, should you use one. Remove from heat add the Vanilla and the pecan halves and stir until mixture thickens, and gets cloudy colored. Immediatly spoon large spoonful (puddles onto greased cookie sheet or wax paper. Allow to set until firm and cooled. I wrap these each individually and place all into air tight container to dole out at during the holidays.


Don't worry,this recipe makes lots more than what I have pictured on the plate above!
Holiday Hugs!!!