Butter the inside of the saucepan before you begin making this candy. This prevents sugar from clinging to the sides and it makes for a creamier candy.

Penuche Candy Squares

3/4 cup SPLENDA® Sugar Blend
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup half and half
1/3 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Grease an 8- x 8-inch pan with vegetable cooking spray.
2. Butter sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan; add SPLENDA® Sugar Blend for Baking, brown sugar, half and half, and milk. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until candy thermometer reaches 236°F (110°C) or soft ball stage (about 15 to 20 minutes). Remove from heat. Add butter and vanilla; do not stir. Cool, without stirring, until mixture reaches 110°F / 45°C (about 50 minutes).
3. Add pecans; beat with a wooden spoon or with a mixer fitted with paddle attachment until mixture thickens and just begins to lose its gloss. Quickly pour into prepared pan and spread evenly. Score in squares and cool completely; cut when firm.

Makes 16 squares.

Nutrition Info Per Serving (1 square): Calories 150 | Calories from Fat 45 | Fat 5.0g (sat 1.5g) | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 25mg | Carbohydrates 23g | Fiber 0g | Sugars 23g | Protein 1g

Recipe and photograph courtesy of Splenda, Inc. Splenda® is a no-calorie sweetener made from sugar that is suitable for diabetics. For more information regarding this product, please call 1-800-777-5363 or visit their website at www.splenda.com.