In the heart of the vibrant city of New Orleans, where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of sugar cane and the rhythm of jazz music, there lies a culinary treasure that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike: New Orleans pralines. These delectable treats, often referred to as "the candy that made New Orleans famous," are a testament to the city's rich history, culture, and love for all things sweet.
Enrobed in a delicate shell of caramelized sugar, New Orleans pralines reveal a soft, chewy interior that bursts with a symphony of flavors. Traditionally made with a mixture of pecans, cream, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract, these bite-sized confections offer a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and a hint of saltiness. While the classic praline remains a beloved favorite, modern variations have emerged, introducing a tantalizing array of flavors and textures. From chocolate-dipped pralines to pralines infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we present a collection of New Orleans praline recipes that cater to every taste and skill level. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to perfect your praline-making technique or a novice cook seeking an easy-to-follow guide, we've got you covered. Our recipes include the traditional New Orleans praline, variations with unique flavor combinations, and even a vegan praline option for those with dietary restrictions.
So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey through the streets of New Orleans. Let the sweet symphony of pralines fill your kitchen and indulge in a taste of this iconic Southern delicacy.
CREAMY NEW ORLEANS PRALINES
Worth the effort to master the art of praline-making. Give as gifts, great for holiday parties or to bring to the office. See note below for the option of toasted pecans.
Provided by gailanng
Categories Candy
Time 50m
Yield 4 1/2 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cream, milk, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, to 230°F Lower heat slightly if the mixture threatens to boil over.
- Add the pecans and continue cooking, stirring constantly, to 236°F The mixture should form a soft ball when a little is dropped in cold water. Remove from the heat and add vanilla; let stand for about 5 minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is thickened and slightly creamy, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, spoon the pralines onto a sheet of parchment paper or waxed paper. If the mixture becomes grainy, heat and stir over medium heat for a few seconds, or until it can be easily scooped and dropped.
- Optional Toasted Pecans:.
- Heat oven to 350°. Spread chopped pecans out on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the chopped pecans are lightly browned and aromatic. This can also be achieved by microwaving pecans on a microwave-safe plate in 30 second increments.
NEW ORLEANS BACON PRALINES
Provided by Claire Robinson
Time 1h55m
Yield 18 to 24 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Special equipment: candy thermometer
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 1 rimmed sheet pan with heavy foil and another with parchment paper.
- Place a baking rack over the foil-lined sheet pan and arrange the bacon slices across the rack next to each other, but not overlapping. Bake until crispy, 15 to 18 minutes. When cool enough to handle, finely chop and set aside.
- Reduce the oven temp to 350 degrees F.
- In a small saucepan over moderate heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons brown sugar, about 1 minute. Add the pecans and combine until the pecans are coated. Pour out onto another unlined sheet pan and bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Place the remaining 2 cups brown sugar into a 3-quart heavy saucepan, being careful to not get sugar on the sides of the pan. Add the cream, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and salt and cook over very low heat (do not let simmer), stirring frequently with a rubber spatula, until the sugar is dissolved, 10 to 15 minutes. Wash down any sugar crystals on the side of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water. Clamp on a candy thermometer to the saucepan and boil the syrup over moderately-high heat until it registers 236 degrees F.
- Remove the pan from the heat, leaving the thermometer in place, and let cool until the syrup registers 220 degrees F, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the bacon and pecans. Working quickly, drop 1 tablespoon of pralines onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet pan. If the mixture starts to harden, place back on the stove over moderately-low heat and let it melt. Let the pralines sit until they harden, about 45 minutes.
NEW ORLEANS PRALINES
This is taken off the back of a bottle of The New Orleans School of Cooking Pure Vanilla Extract. First of all - EVERYTHING that comes from the NOSC is wonderful! Their bottles of Pure Vanilla Extract come with a full vanilla bean in the bottle ... I always use the last bits when making homemade icecream and the bean is a...
Provided by Linda Hoover
Categories Candies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Combine all ingredients and bring to a soft ball stage, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir until mixture thickens, becomes creamy and cloudy and pecans stay suspended.
- 2. Spoon onto parchment paper. Makes 1 to 50 depending on size.
NEW ORLEANS PRALINES
THERE ARE MANY PRALINE RECIPES OUT THERE BUT I USE A CAJUN RECIPE THAT USES BOILING WATER INSTEAD OF MILK. I WAS TAUGHT THAT PRALINES MADE WITH MILK WERE CREOLE IN NATURE AND PRALINES MADE WITH WATER ARE CAJUN. BOTH KINDS ARE GOOD BUT MY PREFERENCE ARE THE ONES MADE WITH WATER. THIS RECIPE IS QUICK AND EASY AND PEOPLE WILL...
Provided by ELAINE PARKER
Categories Candies
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Place sugar, water and butter in boiler over hot fire and beat. Boil until tests soft ball in cold water. (I use a small bowl with ice water to drop in to test for stage of ball) takes about 2-4 mins boiling of the sugar, water and butter to get to the soft ball stage. I ALSO USE A WOODEN SPOON. when you get to the soft ball stage remove from the fire.
- 2. Add pecans and vanilla. Beat until creamy with your wooden spoon . It will foam up when you add the pecans and vanilla. Beat until it begins to sugar on the side of the pan.
- 3. Once it begins to sugar on the side of the pan drop from spoon on wax paper and cool. WORK FAST IN THIS STAGE BECAUSE IT WILL SET UP ON YOU FAST. IF IT DOES JUST ADD A FEW DROPS OF HOT WATER TO THE MIXTURE AND DROP FASTER. Be careful this is really hot stuff. ENJOY!
KATHY'S NEW ORLEANS STYLE PRALINES
This is my favorite Pralines recipe that I make every holiday. I usually double the batch and they are gone in no time. Enjoy!
Provided by Kathy Sterling
Categories Candies
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Combine sugars and milk in a medium saucepan and heat on low, stirring constantly until sugars are dissolved. Once they are dissoved, then bring to a full boil.
- 2. Lower heat and cook to 234 degrees and then remove pan from heat.
- 3. Add butter and vanilla to mixture, do not stir.
- 4. Cool to 200 degrees and add pecan halves.
- 5. Beat by hand until creamy and candy holds its shape.
- 6. Drop by large spoonfuls on waxed paper or a buttered surface.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients. This will help to ensure that your pralines have the best possible flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the pralines. They should be cooked until they are just set, but not too hard.
- Let the pralines cool completely before storing them. This will help to prevent them from sticking together.
- Store the pralines in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy the pralines! They are a delicious and easy-to-make treat.
Conclusion:
New Orleans pralines are a classic Southern candy that is loved by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of pralines that will be the hit of your next party or gathering. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!
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