๐ฅฎ๐ฌ Amish Pecan Penuche: A Sweet Delight ๐ฅฎ๐ฌ
Amish Pecan Penuche is a delectable and rich dessert that hails from the Amish community, known for their traditional and wholesome recipes. This sweet treat is beloved for its caramel-like flavor, creamy texture, and the delightful crunch of pecans. Here’s a detailed look at what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it:
What is Amish Pecan Penuche?
Amish Pecan Penuche is a type of fudge that’s characterized by its unique combination of flavors and textures. It’s made from simple ingredients like brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and pecans. The result is a soft, creamy fudge with a pronounced caramel flavor, and it’s typically studded with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch.
History:
The exact origin of Amish Pecan Penuche is a bit unclear, but it’s believed to have roots in the traditional recipes of the Amish communities in the United States. The Amish are known for their dedication to simple, homemade foods, and this sweet treat fits perfectly into that tradition.
Components:
The key components of Amish Pecan Penuche include:
- Brown Sugar: Provides the rich caramel flavor.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and richness.
- Milk: Helps achieve the smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Steps to Prepare Amish Pecan Penuche:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering dessert:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions:
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Prepare Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan and set it aside.
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Combine Ingredients: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
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Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, which is around 236-240ยฐF (113-116ยฐC). You can check this by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball that holds its shape.
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Remove from Heat: Once you’ve reached the soft ball stage, remove the saucepan from heat. Be cautious as the mixture will be extremely hot.
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Add Vanilla and Pecans: Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Mix well until the pecans are evenly distributed.
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Pour and Cool: Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool at room temperature until it sets, which usually takes a couple of hours.
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Cut and Serve: Once the Penuche has cooled and solidified, cut it into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy!
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Amish Pecan Penuche can vary, but it generally takes around 30-45 minutes to prepare the mixture and an additional 2-3 hours for it to cool and set. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 3-4 hours to make this delightful dessert from start to finish.
Now you have all the information you need to whip up this delightful Amish Pecan Penuche! ๐ฅฎ๐ฌ Enjoy your sweet culinary adventure!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amish Pecan Penuche:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 calories per square (varies based on portion size)
- Total Fat: Approximately 8-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4-6 grams
- Cholesterol: Approximately 20-30 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 20-30 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 gram
- Sugars: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
Health Information:
- Moderation: Amish Pecan Penuche is a delicious but indulgent treat. Due to its high sugar and fat content, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Caloric Content: It’s relatively high in calories, so portion control is important if you’re watching your calorie intake.
- Sugar: This dessert is high in sugar, which can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake should consume it sparingly.
- Fat: It contains a significant amount of saturated fat, which should also be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.
- Nutritional Benefits: While Amish Pecan Penuche is not a nutritionally rich food, it does provide some energy from carbohydrates and a small amount of protein. Pecans also add some healthy fats and a touch of dietary fiber.
- Nuts: Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and magnesium. They can be beneficial for heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
In summary, Amish Pecan Penuche is a delicious but calorie-dense dessert. It should be enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its high sugar and saturated fat content. Incorporating nuts like pecans can provide some nutritional benefits, but it’s essential to maintain moderation for overall health.
