National Pralines Day

Pralines are a type of candy made from sugar, cream, butter, and nuts, typically pecans. The ingredients are cooked together until they reach a specific temperature and then spooned onto a sheet of wax paper to cool and harden. The result is a sweet and nutty candy that is popular in the Southern United States, particularly in New Orleans. The history of Pralines can be traced back to the 17th century in France, where they were originally made with almonds and caramelized sugar. The recipe was brought to Louisiana by French settlers in the early 18th century, where pecans were substituted for almonds due to their abundance in the region. Pralines are typically made by cooking sugar, cream, and butter over medium heat until it reaches the soft ball stage, which is around 235-240°F (113-116°C). Chopped pecans are then stirred into the mixture before it is spooned onto a sheet of wax paper to cool and harden. Variations of Pralines can be made by using different types of nuts or by adding additional ingredients like chocolate, coconut, or spices. Pralines can be enjoyed as a sweet treat on their own, or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cakes.