On June 24th we celebrated Pralines Day, a pralines made from nuts mixtures of sugar syrup, creating a sweet and crunchy treat. Similarly, pralines are a smooth and sweet treat made with nuts, sugar, and sometimes cream, also believed that the name has been inspired by French sugar industrialist and French diplomat César, duc de Choiseul, comte du Plessis-Praslin who used a powder called praline made by grinding sugar-coated nuts. It has a deep history, particularly in the southern United States, which is enjoyed by many for its delicious flavour and texture.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PRALINES DAY
As I have already mentioned National Pralines Day has a deep history, in the 17th century France’s Marshal du Plessis-Praslin was responsible for the prominent name of the praline, it is also believed that it was his chef, Clement Lassagne who was the true creator of pralines.
In the history percepts, there are two different talks, where in one book it is said that the children had caramelized almonds over a candle and Lassagne followed the scent and discovered the magic of the mixture. Similarly, in another, it is mentioned that Lassagne’s apprentice accidentally knocked a container of almonds into a vat of cooking caramel.
In 1727, pralines were brought from France to New Orleans, where they oversaw young girls called casket girls who under the request of Bienville, were meant to marry New Orleans’ colonists.
The casket girls were taught the art of praline making along with academics and domestic work to become good wives. Similarly, Pralines became part of the local tradition in New Orleans, and as of now, they’re an essential part of Creole cuisine.
Later on in the 19th century, the ingredients of the pralines were switched from almonds to pecans because of their availability in New Orleans, and cream was used to thicken the texture. In addition, it is said that women in the French Quarter who sold pralines were called pralines and selling pralines gave free people for the colour of job opportunities when their work was limited.
Similarly, pralines were expanded into the other parts of the words, where they became popular in Texas and Georgia as a favoured southern confection, but it all began in The Big Easy.
However, the original taste of the pralines might be slightly different because it hasn’t changed much from their original form
| 1600s (Cooked Caramel) | Marshal du Plessis-Praslin’s chef Clement Lassagne invented the praline by mixing cooked caramel and almonds. |
| 1727 (Casket Girls) | Pralines were brought over from France by Ursuline nuns who used young women to create them as they were moulded for marriage. |
| 1800s (Pralinieres) | Free women of colour were permitted to sell pralines as Pralinieres, offering them more economic security and better opportunities. |
| 2000s (New Southern Tradition) | Pralines have remained very similar to their origins and are considered an essential part of Southern culinary tradition. |
5 FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL PRALINES DAY
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After the praline- A Famous Chef Lassagne opened a sweet shop in France which was called the Maison du Praslin that’s still around today.
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Three pralines- The three main types of pralines are Belgian Pralines, French Pralines, and American Pralines.
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The Belgian praline- The Belgian pralines have a hard chocolate shell with a softer, or liquid filling.
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Belgian names- The other names of Belgian pralines are, Belgian chocolates, Belgian chocolate fondants, and chocolate bonbons.
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Sweet like candy- In New Orleans, pralines are sometimes called pecan candy.
FAQs
Is eating pralines healthy for us?
Pralines are delicious but not considered as healthy because it contains high sugar and fat content which can be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than as a regular part of a healthy diet.
What are the health benefits of Pralines?
However, pralines contain nuts, that provide protein, healthy fats, and nutrients like vitamin E. Besides, their high sugar content means they should be enjoyed sparingly for any potential health benefits.
I am on a stick diet and can I have pralines?
The answer is no, if you are on a strict diet then eating pralines is strictly prohibited because it is high in sugar and calories which can hinder your progress.
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