This chapter explores the rich history of pralines, tracing their origins from caramelized almonds enjoyed at the court of Louis XIII to their adaptation in New Orleans with local pecans. It highlights the transformation of this delicacy from an elite treat to a popular confection, showcasing various interpretations across cultures, including the unique Belgian version. The chapter also features a heartfelt interlude celebrating culinary joys, including a listener's message about popcorn and a beloved pet.
This edition of Eponymous Foods features a beautiful dessert, some myth busting about a very common food’s invention, and a very sweet finish with a much-loved candy.
Research:
- “160 Years of Neuhaus History.” Neuhaus Chocolates. https://www.neuhauschocolates.com/en_US/history/History.html
- Beaton, Paula. “The Origin of the Crepe is Shrouded in Mystery.” The Daily Meal. June 3, 2023. https://www.thedailymeal.com/1302745/origin-crepes/
- “Belgian Pralines: A sweet but not so short history.” Discover Benelux. https://www.discoverbenelux.com/belgian-pralines-a-sweet-but-not-so-short-history/
- Charpentier, Henri and Boyden Sparkes. “Life à la Henri: Being the Memories of Henri Charpentier.” Modern Library. 2001.
- Fertel, R. “praline.” In “The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets.” Oxford University Press. 2015. https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10
- Grosley, Pierre Jean, and Thomas Nugent (tr). “A Tour to London, Volume I.” Lockyer Davis. 1772. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/bim_eighteenth-century_a-tour-to-london-or-ne_grosley-pierre-jean_1772_1/mode/2up
- “John Montagu.” American Battlefield Trust. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/john-montagu
- “Maison de la Prasline Mazet.” France Today. June 14, 2012. https://francetoday.com/food-drink/maison_de_la_prasline_mazet/#fm-popup-modal-close
- “Making Crepes Suzette.” Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. July 31, 2014. https://www.escoffier.edu/blog/baking-pastry/making-crepes-suzette/
- “The main ingredient of Crepe Suzette.” Le Parisien. March 20, 2016. https://www.leparisien.fr/archives/l-ingredient-principal-de-la-crepe-suzette-grand-marnier-mais-pourquoi-grand-20-03-2016-5642685.php
- “Sandwich celebrates 250th anniversary of the sandwich.” BBC. May 12, 2012. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-18010424
- Stradley, Linda. “Sandwich History.” What’s Cooking America. https://whatscookingamerica.net/history/sandwichhistory.htm
- Sybertz, Alyssa. “What are pralines, exactly?” Readers Digest. July 17, 2023. https://www.rd.com/article/what-are-pralines/
- Toussaint-Samat, Maguelonne. “A History of Food.” Blackwell. 2008.
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