Chocolate Pecan Pralines

I really like sweets, I mean really like them. :-)

This one I've done many times. It's all done in the microwave, so no dirty pots and pans.

You need:
2-1/3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk (*NOT sweetened condensed milk*)
2 TBSP butter or margarine, cut into pieces
1 cup chopped pecans
18 whole pecans
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 tsp vanilla

In a medium microwave safe bowl combine sugar and evaporated milk. Stir until blended.

Drop butter pieces into sugar and butter mix. Microwave on high power (100%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until butter melts. Stir until smooth.

Stir in pecans. Microwave on high power (100%) 6 minutes. Stir. Candy should be soft ball stage. Test by dropping 1/2 tsp into ice water. It should easily form a soft ball in the water but flatten when held in your hand.

Add chocolate chips and vanilla extract (be careful when adding the vanilla it will bubble when added because of the alcohol content) and stir until smooth. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto wax paper (I use a very small ice cream disher). Place one whole pecan on the top of each candy. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 18 Yummy Pralines.