Pralines were originally introduced in New Orleans via France's colonial influence, per Spruce Eats. According to the New Orleans School of Cooking, bakers first used almonds to make pralines, but the candy was transformed through Creole cuisine, which used the pecans that grew locally. New Orleans is known for its sweet treats, but pralines are easy prep goodies that only require a pot, stovetop, and a candy thermometer.
Butter, evaporated milk, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract are the ingredients that make pralines a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The Kitchn warns against messing with the amount of butter in your chosen praline recipe, since it could result in ingredients separating. The outlet also advises that you keep your batches small to avoid the mixture cooling before you've added all the ingredients.
If you're looking for an in-person praline-making lesson, you can check out the New Orleans School of Cooking. You can even attend classes over Zoom, or head to their site for their go-to praline recipe. Unlike Anthony in "A New Orleans Noel," you don't necessarily need to stick to a classic praline recipe: You can add chocolate, make it without nuts, or add peanut butter. Loretta Harrison would add chocolate, coconut, rum raisin, and peanut butter to her recipe, per Nola.
The New Orleans School of Cooking explains that there are countless recipes for the iconic candy. Every cook can have their favorite, just like the Queen of Pralines herself.
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