New Orleans Pralines

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New Orleans pralines are a classic southern-style candy that couldn’t be easier to make right in your own kitchen. Its storied history dates back to the French colonial history of the American South, where, over time, local ingredients (like sugar) and creative modifications (adding cream) have given us the candy as we know it today. It’s one of those must-haves if you ever get the chance to visit the city of New Orleans, just to get a sense of how good these candies are. But, since we can’t make it down to the Big Easy today, we’ll settle for whipping up a batch right at home.

A watchful eye and a lot of stirring will be essential to making a batch of this sweet and salty candy. First, you’ll want to toast up those pralines because toasting them enhances their nutty flavor. Then we melt up some sugar and evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is not only creamy but it is also syrupy and sweet, which is just the texture we want for making this treat.

It’s entirely up to you what kind of flavor you add, we like to use a little maple extract as well as bourbon flavor, which can come as a flavored extract, or as the real thing. Once these have all had some time over the heat to melt together and get nice and sticky sweet, it’s time to scoop out balls of this sugary mixture. A suggestion: lightly spray your spoon with cooking spray to prevent the candy from sticking to the spoon. Drop a scoop of candy onto wax paper, leaving room for the candy to spread. Once cooled, they’re ready to be served!

Any extra can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped up in some decorative cellophane to share with family and friends. We can’t get down to NOLA for a batch of this amazingly sweet and savory nutty candy, but we can recreate the experience right in our own kitchen. It’s one of those treats that is likely to disappear quickly because they’re so incredibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the authentic taste of New Orleans in every bite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients, yet the end result is a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooking spray
  • Large saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Dry pan for toasting

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon maple extract
  • 1 teaspoon bourbon whiskey extract or 1 tablespoon bourbon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Lightly toast pecans in a dry pan until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
  4. Add butter, toasted pecans, maple extract, and bourbon extract to the saucepan. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the mixture has thickened.
  5. Cool the mixture slightly, about 5 minutes, before scooping out a heaping tablespoon of the praline mixture.
  6. Drop a spoonful of mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each as the candy will spread slightly as it cools.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Ensure your pecans are fresh and fragrant for the best flavor.
  • Keep stirring the mixture to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
  • Use a candy thermometer if possible to ensure the mixture reaches the right consistency.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a different twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled pralines. You can also try using different nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 150, Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk? Evaporated milk is preferred for its creamy and syrupy texture, but you can use regular milk if necessary, though the texture might differ slightly.
  • How can I store leftover pralines? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Can I freeze pralines? Yes, pralines can be frozen. Wrap them individually in wax paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

So, are you ready to bring a taste of New Orleans into your kitchen with these delectable pralines? They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking!

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