praline for idiots?

[phdlife]

I've tried twice and failed both times, can't figure what I'm doing wrong.

I'm putting 100g white sugar in a small pan with 2 tbsp water, then stirring over low heat and waiting for the sugar to melt. How can you tell when that's happened? Parts of it go clear like water, I assumed that was it melting, but there's still a layer of sugar visible on the bottom when it starts boiling, then it all crystallises.

I'm using the lowest heat my stupid stove will do, but it's still fairly hot - should I pull the pan off and on to keep it cooler, til the sugar's melted?

Any clues please???

Have a look at this link

It seems you need to dissolve the sugar in the water without letting it boil. Can you just simmer it without letting it boil?

I can't see how, as I said it's a hot burner (they all are, grrr,)

thanks for link, will check it out now.

ha - from reading that I think that is my problem - stove too hot. hmmm....

Keep stirring and if it looks like it's starting to boil take it off the heat, but continue stirring??

Sorry, I'm not being much help am I! I've never made it so have no idea what I'm talking about really

heh heh, should've kept your trap shut - I thought you were nigella

dh has just suggested trying with a double-boiler, going to give that a shot now.

I wish!

Ah yes, a double boiler may be better - good luck