Often referred to as the “most unique” city in America, New Orleans is rich with history and heritage. It is the birthplace of jazz, home to the annual celebration of Mardi Gras, and the origin of Creole-inspired American cuisine.
Whether you have only visited New Orleans, or lived there for years, you will never forget the music you heard, the fun you had, and the food you savored. There is always a connection made with the city’s spirit. A connection that can be conjured up at only the creamy taste of the traditional Creole candy, New Orleans famous pralines.
The Origin Stories of Pralines
The origin of pralines is nearly as controversial as the city that is known for the tasty treat. Pralines were originally created in France by Clément Lassagne, chef of sugar industrialist Marshal du Plessis-Praslin, for whom the candy is named. There are, however, several differing stories for the actual inspiration of the candy itself.
The first origin story has Lassagne getting the idea for pralines from children who were scavenging for scraps in his kitchen, nibbling on leftover almonds and caramel from one of his pastry creations. In another version, Lassagne followed a deliciously sweet smell to find children caramelizing stolen almonds in sugar over a candle. Yet one more version has Lassagne getting his inspiration from a clumsy apprentice who knocked over a container of almonds into a vat of cooking caramel.
An even more playful story paints Marshal du Plessis-Praslin as a ladies man, who had his chef create an irresistible treat for the women he courted. He would put sugary nuts into little parcels labeled with his name. One of the many rumors for why people began to call the sweet treats after him.
Pralines Come to America
When French settlers began colonizing Louisiana, they brought all their favorite recipes with them. The original praline recipe was altered by New Orleans chefs in the 19th century to substitute pecans for almonds because of the abundance of pecan trees throughout the area. They also added cream to thicken the confection, and thus created what is now known throughout the American South as the praline. But you may know it as “the Taste of New Orleans.”
The Taste of New Orleans
Every time you sink your teeth into a creamy, sweet, pecan praline, you can’t help but hear the sultry sounds of jazz, feel the buzz of the night life, and think of your time in New Orleans. As a traditional Creole candy, the praline is as rich in its history as it is in flavor. Enjoy an original praline, hand-made from a century-old New Orleans recipe, any time you want from New Orleans Famous Praline Company.
Since 1996, New Orleans Famous Praline Company has been selling the traditional Creole candy known as pralines to New Orleans locals and visitors from around the globe. They use the finest ingredients and a century old recipe to produce a truly superior praline, hand-made and individually sealed for freshness! Enjoy the ultimate “Taste of New Orleans” with our delicious pralines! Order now at www.neworleansfamouspraline.com.
Ethan Luke. Pralines - At New Orleans Famous Pralines we focus on quality. Our Pralines recipe is over a century old.
