The Praline Woman

 Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress 

When the French settlers came over, they brought the praline with them. The enslaved African women who cooked in their kitchens were responsible for the creolization of the praline, which continue to be sold in France as sugared almonds. African-American cooks replaced the almonds with pecans, which were abundant in New Orleans. They also added large amounts of Louisiana sugar as well as milk to thicken the candy. Therefore, the culinary genius of African-American women created the New Orleans praline, as we know it.

  

African-American women were also responsible for tirelessly vending the candy on the streets of New Orleans in effort to support themselves and their families.