Oklahoma Nut Candy

Ingredients

• 6 cups sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts or pecans

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan (heavy-bottomed preferred)
• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Candy thermometer
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Melt Sugar:
   In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 2 cups of sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the sugar is completely melted and golden, about 20 minutes.
3. Heat Remaining Ingredients:
   In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar and heavy cream. Simmer over low heat while the sugar in the small saucepan melts.
4. Combine Mixtures:
   Once the sugar in the small saucepan has melted, carefully pour it into the large saucepan with the cream and sugar mixture. Stir continuously to combine.
5. Cook to Softball Stage:
   Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture until it reaches 244°F (softball stage) on a candy thermometer.
6. Add Baking Soda:
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the baking soda until fully incorporated.
7. Add Butter and Vanilla:
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