
history of the praline
The praline itself is a French confection, named after César, duc de Choiseul, comte du Plessis-Praslin, who some believe had his cook devise an almond-studded candy to woo his various love interests.
Or perhaps it was his butler who created the treat to cure Praslin’s painful indigestion, or a clumsy cook knocking almonds into a vat of caramelized sugar.
Either way, the praline became a hit! 😉
In Louisiana, where pecans — not almonds — prevail, the praline evolved thanks to the "culinary genius of African-American women.
Even the New Orleans praline's shape — the way it hardens into a little brown puddle with pecans randomly jutting up across its murky topography — seems to evoke the swamp. 🤔
The candy is a symbol of a rich black culinary heritage and city tradition.
New Orleans Original Pralines
