Pecan Fondant

Name: Pecan Fondant
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: about 7-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1/3 cup butter, softened; 1/3 cup light corn syrup; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided; Additional confectioners' sugar; About 180 pecan halves, toasted (about 3/4 pound)

I love to cook and was well-taught by my mother, who always made cute confections for Christmas. These candies are a holiday tradition in my home. It seems I can never make enough, so it's a good thing they're simple to assemble.

Ingredients

1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
Additional confectioners' sugar
About 180 pecan halves, toasted (about 3/4 pound)

Directions

In a bowl, stir the butter, corn syrup and salt with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar; stir until completely blended. Gradually add remaining sugar, stirring until completely blended.
Dust work surface with additional sugar. Knead dough until smooth, about 5 minutes. Shape into 1/2-in. balls. Place each ball between two pecan halves; gently press together. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cover and chill for 3 hours or until set. Keep refrigerated until serving (candies will be soft).

Originally published as Pecan Fondant in Country Woman Christmas 2002