Pralines
Over the past few Centuries, the Folklore around the delectable Praline Candy has been passed down from generation to generation along with the secret family recipes used to produce these tasty treats.
It is said that the “praline” was invented in seventeenth century France and was named after Marchel de Plessin-Pralin, who at the suggestion of his butler, covered almonds, which he took for medicinal purposes, with sugar. Even this account of the origination of the candy has its own multiple renditions. Another gives credit to his personal chef, Clement Lassagne with the creation of this treat, however we can trace the name Praline back to Mr. de Plessin-Pralin.
The French settlers who migrated to New Orleans brought the idea of pralines with them. It was their slaves who transformed the French version on the praline into the rich, creamy, delicious treat that we know today. Utilizing ingredients that were available to them, the slaves exchanged almonds for pecans and caramelized the sugar and cream mixture thus turning the pralines or “pecan candy” into a true delicacy.
One of the many names associated with Pecan Candy is Mary Louise, who can be traced back to the early 1900’s. Also know as “Praline Mammy” or “Praline Woman” Mary Louise stationed herself outside H. Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, selling her pralines to students, faculty, and passersby.
Her delicious pecan-filled sweets became the delight of the college crowd and were soon featured at football games and other college events. Her clientele grew to include other college campuses and downtown hotels.
Many followed in her entrepreneurial footsteps by creating these heavenly morsels called pralines and selling them from baskets, carts, and store fronts to delighted customers.
At Jeneva Candy, we embody that entrepreneurial spirit, and we are committed to creating delicious pralines that are sure to be enjoyed by all.