Yield: 24 servings
Measure | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 \N | Cones piloncillo; shredded =OR=- Dark brown sugar, packed |
1 cup | Water |
2 tablespoons | Butter (DO NOT USE MARGARINE) |
1½ cup | Toasted pine nuts =OR=- Pecan halves |
1 teaspoon | Vanilla |
Piloncillo is unrefined sugar that is purchased in hard cones. It comes in colors from beige to brown.
Heat piloncillo and water to boiling in 2-quart saucepan, stirring constantly. Reduce heat slightly. Cook, without stirring, to 236F on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from water.
Remove from heat. Immediately remove thermometer. Stir in butter.
Cool 8 minutes without stirring. Stir in pine nuts and vanilla. Beat with spoon until slightly thickened and mixture just coats pine nuts but remains glossy, about 1 minute. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until candies are firm. Store tightly covered at room temperature.