Pralines - History And How To Prepare Them

Table of contents:

Pralines - History And How To Prepare Them
Pralines - History And How To Prepare Them
Anonim

Traditionally, pralines are prepared of caramelized sugar with the addition of nuts such as almonds. This sweet confectionery product is used for various purposes - to decorate cakes and pastries, as well as for fillings.

In different parts of the world rules are prepared in different ways - Belgian pralines for example, chocolates with a soft filling.

American pralines are made with sugar, corn syrup, milk, butter and pecans (a type of American walnut). This is a sweet temptation that has a long history and incredible taste.

The origin of pralines can be traced back to the 17th century. It is believed that this masterpiece of confectionery was created by chef Clement Lasan while Cesar de Schösel was working. The original pralines were with almonds, not pecans and caramelized.

Pralines - history and how to prepare them
Pralines - history and how to prepare them

Over the centuries, the pralines have changed and today, when we hear the word, we imagine something quite different. Today in many places in France and Belgium we can find pralines - candies containing cocoa and ground nuts.

In New Orleans, however, they are still prepared according to the original recipe, brought there by French nuns sent to train young southerners.

Ingredients for pralines

White and brown sugar - the best. If we use only brown sugar, we will get a grainy texture. When using white sugar, we need to add baking soda to caramelize it well, but the flavor will not be the same. The combination of the two is the best - you get that classic aroma of brown sugar, but with a smooth texture.

Whipped cream - here you can use any number of options. Milk and cream, only cream, only whipped milk, whatever you like. The cream gives extra creaminess and a great creamy aroma.

Oil - adds a much-needed flavor. It also prevents pralines from hardening after a few days.

Baking soda - not required, but enhances the taste of brown sugar and flavor.

Pecans - absolutely necessary.

Pralines - history and how to prepare them
Pralines - history and how to prepare them

Photo: Joanna

Salt - for flavor - never underestimate the power of a small amount of salt.

Vanilla extract - also for flavor.

How to make pralines

1. First, prepare parchment paper and have a tablespoon on hand. Once the mixture is ready, it can harden quickly.

2. Put all in a fireproof dish except the pecans, salt and vanilla extract. Heat everything to medium heat, stirring regularly. The ingredients for pralines they will melt and after a while they will start to boil.

3. When this moment occurs, you must stir constantly until it reaches 230 degrees (check with a thermometer).

4. Once the right temperature is reached, remove from the heat and add the pecans and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously with a rubber spatula for about 3 minutes. The mixture will start to thicken and the longer you stir it, the thicker it will become. Hardness also depends on the density, ie. the thicker the mixture, the harder they will be pralines.

5. Finally, use the spoon to "pour" and shape your pralines on parchment paper. Allow to cool. For normally hard pralines, they should be pressed for about an hour. If you want harder, then you can leave them overnight. You can also use molds.

Recommended: