Pra-lines vs. Pray-leens

In my research (as well as my personal life) I've found that not everyone pronounces pralines the same way.I am a good example because I don't use that word at all. I refer to the confection as pecan candy. Others say plarine or prarine. This gentlemen gives a great tutorial on the pronounciation of the sweet treat. How do you pronounce it?

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.

The History of the Praline

Pralines originated in 17th century France and they are said to be named after Marshal du Plessis Praslin. Praslin was suffering from a case of indigestion and in an effort to aid him, his chef prepared a mixture of sugar and almonds. This dish soon gained popularity among the French and was called  the “praslin.” 

The sugar coated almonds pictured above are the French version (sugar covered almonds) of the praline.

What is Pecan Candy?

The goal of this blog to highlight the history of "pecan candy." If you did not know, "pecan candy" is the term many African-Americans from New Orleans use to refer to what is commonly known as praline. Another African-American term is "plarine." If you noticed the letters l and r have switched places. This came from the french-speaking Creoles (African-Americans) who were unable to pronounce praline.

I never used the term "praline" until I started my research a few years ago. The only reason I began using it was because when I spoke to people outside of the African-American community about "pecan candy" they had no idea what I was talking about. As a result , the term praline has slowly crept into my vocabulary. No matter what you call them: Pecan Candy, Plarine, or Praline, they are still delicious treats with an even more delicious history.