Pecan Pralines

Pecan pralines are traditional Cajun sweets originating from Louisiana. The first pralines were brought to New Orleans from France by the Ursuline nuns in 1727. Due to the fact that almonds were scarce, cooks began using pecans from native Louisiana trees, and the predecessors of modern pecan pralines were born. They were first prepared as individual pecans covered in sugary coating. Nowadays, they are made with a combination of pecans, butter, vanilla, milk, and sugar. The ingredients are simply cooked together until the mixture thickens and the pecans stay suspended in it. Once hardened, pecan pralines are ready to be enjoyed.