Pecan Fondant Food

CHOCOLATE PECAN FONDANTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Butter 2 individual pudding basins (about 200ml capacity), then dust generously with cocoa powder. Melt the chocolate with the butter in a bowl over simmering water or in a microwave and stir until smooth. Gradually stir in the egg, then flour, nuts, sugar and a pinch of salt, and beat gently until everything is combined, but still runny.
• Divide the mixture between the pudding basins. These can now be chilled for up to a day ahead. Bake for 15 mins (or 18 mins if chilled). Turn out onto small plates and serve with ice cream. Fondants should be cooked on the outside and molten in the middle.

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.

SOUTHERN PECAN FONDANT

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook until mixture registers 234 degrees F on candy thermometer.
• Remove pan from heat and let cool to lukewarm (110 degrees F).
• Then beat mixture until it loses its glossiness and becomes stiff.
• Add butter, vanilla, salt and nuts.
• Mix thoroughly.
• Pour into a buttered pan about 1/2 inch deep.
• When cool, cut into squares.