Directions

1. Lightly coat a nonstick baking mat or a piece of parchment with oil, and place on a heatproof surface. Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, tilting pan to swirl and washing down sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming. Boil, without stirring, until mixture turns pale amber, about 8 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, and stir in hazelnuts. Pour mixture onto center of prepared surface. Working quickly and using gloved hands lightly coated with oil, roll each nut between your palms until completely coated and smooth. Let cool completely. (If praline mixture begins to harden before you roll the hazelnuts, transfer the mat or parchment with the mixture to a baking sheet and place in a 375 oven until pliable; you can do this only once before the sugar begins to crystallize.) Pralines can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.