Tender Pecan Logs Recipes

HOLIDAY PECAN LOGS

Steps:

• Butter an 8-in. square pan with 2 teaspoons butter; set aside. Combine confectioners sugar and milk powder; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, sugar and corn syrup; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Stir in confectioners' sugar mixture, about a third at a time, until blended. , Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Continue stirring until the mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon. Spread into prepared pan. Cool. , Cut candy into four strips; cut each strip in half. Shape each into a log; wrap in waxed paper and twist ends. Freeze or refrigerate until firm. , Meanwhile, in a microwave, melt caramels with milk, stirring often. Roll logs in caramel mixture, then in pecans. Wrap in waxed paper. Store at room temperature in airtight containers. Cut into slices with a serrated knife.

CHRISTMAS PECAN LOGS

Steps:

• In pan combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook over medium-high heat to boiling, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar (6 to 8 minutes).
• Then reduce to medium-low heat, without stirring, till thermometer registers 240 degrees, soft-ball stage (about 30 more minutes).
• Remove pan from heat; remove thermometer. Pour mixture onto a large platter. Do not scrape the cooked candy from the sides of the pan (this part tends to over-cook and gives a hard texture to the candy -- it's not worth wrecking the soft creamy center by adding this).
• Cool, without stirring, until slightly warm to the touch. About an hour.
• Add cherries to the mixture and beat with a wooden spoon for 10 minutes utill candy is white, creamy and has lots of air incorporated into it. (This step can also be accomplished using a paddle attachment on a food processor).
• Form into logs (individual size or 2 large) and wrap in clear plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped logs in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
• For the coating:.
• In a heavy saucepan combine caramels, butter and water. Cook over low heat until caramels are melted.
• Spread chopped pecans on a piece of waxed paper.
• Remove the saucepan from heat. Dip the unwrapped fondant logs into the melted caramel mixture. Let excess caramel drip off the log.
• Place the dipped log on the chopped pecans and roll until it is covered.
• Chill 1 hour or until ready to serve. To serve, let logs stand at room temperature about 30 minutes.
• Cut into 1/4 inch slices.

PECAN CHEESE LOGS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheeses, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. Shape mixture into two logs, about 6 in. long. Roll in pecans, pressing down gently., Wrap each in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve with crackers.