Pralines

Pralines Recipe from France - Delicious Pecan Treat

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Pralines are a delicious and sweet treat that originated in the southern United States. These confections are made with a combination of sugar, butter, milk, and pecans, creating a rich and nutty flavor. Pralines are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are a popular dessert during the holiday season.

History

Pralines have a long history that dates back to the 17th century in France. The original praline was made with almonds and caramelized sugar, but when the recipe made its way to the southern United States, pecans were used instead of almonds. Pralines became a staple in southern cuisine and are now enjoyed all over the world.

Ingredients

1 cup of light brown sugar (not packed)
1 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of evaporated milk
2 tbsp of butter
2 tbsp of light corn syrup
0.06th teaspoon of salt
1 tsp of vanilla
1.75 cups of pecan halves

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine sugars, milk, butter, syrup, and salt using a wooden spoon.
Cook the mixture until it reaches the softball stage, which takes about 10 minutes.
To test if it has reached the right stage, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water.
The drop should be soft when picked up with fingers.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla and nuts.
Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, which usually takes about 1 minute.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto buttered wax paper.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pralines for a sweet and salty flavor.
Use different nuts such as almonds or walnuts instead of pecans for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the pralines for an extra decadent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a wooden spoon when stirring the praline mixture to prevent the sugar from crystallizing.

- It's important to cook the mixture to the softball stage to ensure the pralines have the right texture.

- Make sure to drop the mixture into cold water to test if it has reached the softball stage.

- Stir in the vanilla and nuts quickly once the mixture has reached the right temperature to prevent it from hardening too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Pralines are best enjoyed as a dessert or snack on their own. They can also be crumbled over ice cream or used as a topping for cakes and pies.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect pralines is to cook the mixture to the softball stage and to stir in the vanilla and nuts quickly once the mixture has reached the right temperature.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can use regular milk as a substitute. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

Pralines can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the pralines on a decorative plate or in a gift box for a beautiful presentation. You can also wrap them individually in wax paper for a charming touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pralines pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying treat. They also go well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pralines contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pralines contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pralines contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of pralines contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pralines are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Pralines contain nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter), so they may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Pralines are a sweet and indulgent treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Pralines are a classic southern treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a rich and nutty flavor, these confections are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them as a dessert or snack, and don't forget to share the recipe with others!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for pralines. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my great aunt in New Orleans. She was known for her delicious and decadent pralines, and I was eager to learn how to make them myself.

My great aunt, whose name was Marie, welcomed me into her cozy kitchen with a warm smile. She had all the ingredients laid out on the counter, ready to begin our cooking lesson. As we worked together, she shared with me the history of pralines and how they had become a beloved treat in New Orleans.

Marie told me that pralines originated in France, where they were made with almonds and sugar. When French settlers came to Louisiana, they adapted the recipe to use pecans, a local nut that grew abundantly in the region. The result was a sweet and creamy confection that quickly became a favorite among Southerners.

As we stirred the butter, sugar, and cream together in a heavy-bottomed pot, the kitchen filled with the rich, caramel aroma of the pralines. Marie showed me how to test the mixture for the right consistency, dropping a small spoonful into a glass of cold water to see if it formed a soft ball.

Once the pralines were ready, we carefully spooned them onto wax paper to cool. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of the warm, gooey candy, and my taste buds were instantly delighted by the sweet, nutty flavor.

After our cooking lesson was over, Marie handed me a handwritten copy of her praline recipe. She told me to practice making them at home and to share them with my family and friends. I promised her that I would, and I left her house feeling inspired and excited to continue my culinary journey.

Over the years, I perfected my own version of Marie's praline recipe, adding a touch of vanilla for extra flavor and experimenting with different types of nuts and sugars. I shared my pralines at family gatherings and potlucks, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As I grew older, I became known in my community as the "praline lady," and I loved nothing more than sharing my sweet treats with others. I even entered a local baking competition and won first place for my pralines, much to the delight of my family and friends.

As the years went by, I continued to make pralines for special occasions and holidays, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. I loved seeing their faces light up with joy as they bit into the crunchy, sugary goodness of the pralines, just as I had all those years ago with Marie.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked pralines, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that this recipe has brought into my life. It's a reminder of the strong women who have shaped me and the love that I have for cooking and sharing good food with others.

And so, as I continue to make pralines for my family and friends, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that began with my great aunt Marie in her cozy kitchen in New Orleans. I am proud to be part of a long line of women who have passed down the art of cooking and baking, one delicious recipe at a time.