Praline Pecans: The Origin

History says that praline originated from a French soldier and diplomat, Marshal du Plessis-Praslin. He was also a sugar industrialist whose cook was believed to have invented the now popular praline. Although there is no sufficient evidence of this theory, still praline’s roots is France.

From France to the Mississippi River

Praline pecans, also called the Southern pralines, were first invented in France by a cook in the seventeenth century. Originally, it is a mixture of sugar syrup and almond nuts. Later on, there have been variations on the type of nut integrated in it. And now, pecan nuts are the widely used nut in pralines. The chef developed the technique of coating the almonds in honey or sugar syrup primarily for his employer as gifts to the people he visited and also as an aid for digestion. In France the word praline also means candy with nuts.

When the Frenchmen crossed countries to the banks of Mississippi, they found here a land of abundant sugar canes and nuts. The kitchens of Louisiana were invaded and praline cooking continued, but now, the exotic taste of almonds has been substituted with an equally exquisite taste of pecan where it is abundant in the area. Along with it was the inclusion of cream or thick milk for a more Southern taste.

The Taste of Praline Pecans

In New Orleans, you will find some kitchen doors open to allow onlookers to observe the fascinating method of cooking the best praline pecans in town. Visitors are able to see the captivating transformation of sugar, butter, cream and pecan nuts into a mouth melting praline pecan. From the metal vat, the pralines are cooled in marble slabs. If the sight is mesmerizing, the warm smell of sugar and butter plus the aroma of pecan is equally tempting. People who are watching their diet shouldn’t go near the shop to be safe.

What’s in a Praline Pecan?

With the coming out of different praline pecan variations, the original praline pecans remain to be the all time favorite. It is a mixture of granulated sugar, brown sugar, thick cream, butter and to top it all, pecan. Now, praline pecans can be added with a variety of flavors like peanut butter, chocolate, vanilla, rum and shredded coconut. Some are even added with different spices. But, it is a known fact that even with the original recipe of praline pecans; each of praline makers differs in their own way. Some can make them flat and thin with a lot of pecan bits, some can have fatter and larger praline pecan with their pecan cut into halves.

Praline Pecans Today

You do not have to visit New Orleans nor make your own just to get a taste of praline pecans, because your praline pecans can be bought at Tanner’s Pecan and Candies. Not only will you find the best pecan products here, but also other cakes and pastries are likewise available, all at a reasonable cost.

So what are you waiting for, get the best praline pecan at Tanner’s Pecan and Candies.