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! 😉

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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. 🤔

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The candy is a symbol of a rich black culinary heritage and city tradition.