National Pralines Day
About National Pralines Day
When is National Pralines Day? This holiday is always celebrated on June 24
Today is National Pralines Day. Why would you celebrate this nutty June 24 holiday? Well, if you are allergic to nuts, you likely will skip this food holiday. (And, we feel really bad for you!) For the rest of us, this holiday encourages us to go nuts over this confectionary delight. However, we doubt you need any extra encouragement. Pralines are one of the most popular of all confections.
If you are looking for some pralines, you’re in luck. You’ll find it on the shelves at any candy store. Certainly, you will find them in the candy aisle at your local grocery store. Most of the major big box stores have a candy section which includes pralines. And, if you really want to enjoy this nut-filled chocolate (or caramel) confection, you can make it at home. It’s easy!
The Historic Origin of Pralines
Pralines were invented in France in the 1600s. French pastry chef Clement Lassagne created the first pralines. At the time, he was the personal chef to the comte du Plessis-Praslin. This is where the confection gets its name. It is said that the idea came to him as he watched his daughters eat nuts and caramel candy left over from a prior confectionary project he worked on. Little did he know at the time, but pralines were about to become one of the world’s favorite candy treats. He is called the “Father of the Pralines”.
In 1727, French Ursuline nuns brought the recipe for pralines to New Orleans. In the 1800s, New Orleans confectioners substituted pecans in place of almonds. Pecans were more abundant in the region than almonds. And, with some other alterations to the recipe, American pralines quickly became a sweet Southern confectionary treat. Then, like any other deliciously sweet treat, it gained popularity all over America. Today, it is a favorite confection in candy shops all over the country.
Did You Know? The most expensive Praline Costs $240,000. It is a chocolate praline made in Brussels, Belgium. In case you wonder why te steep price, it’s because every piece has a 3.63 carat diamond on top of it.
Popular Types of Pralines
Have it your way. There are at least three types of pralines. We know you will enjoy them all. Here are the most popular ones:
The Original French Pralines – These confections consist of almonds and caramel. It is basically the original formula created French pastry chef Clement Lassagne.
Belgian Pralines – They are quite different from other types. It has a hard Belgian chocolate exterior, with a thick, liquid filling consisting of nuts and a sugary syrup.
American Pralines – When the recipe came to the Southern region of the U.S., confectioners found pecans in abundance. So, they used pecans instead of almonds. They also altered the original recipe by using brown sugar, granulated sugar, cream, and butter. It has a chewy consistency.
For the Record – In 2014, over 2,000 high school culinary students from across Georgia own the Guinness World Record for the largest praline. It weighed in at 531 pounds. It included 100 pounds of Georgia pecans, 371 pounds of sugar, and 32 pounds of butter.
How to Enjoy and Participate in National Pralines Day
Like other food holidays, participating in National Pralines Day is both tasty and fun. Here are some ways to enjoy this holiday:
- Forget about your diet today. Eat lots of pralines.
- Buy some French, American and Belgian pralines. Then, invite some friends for a taste test. Which type is the group’s favorite?
- Make a batch of homemade pralines.
- Give boxes of pralines away to people in need of cheering up.
- Bring a box to work to share with co-workers.
- Grab some pecans and walnuts. Shell them, Then, compare the taste.
- If you own a candy store, give away free samples. And, offer discounts to purchase them.
National Pralines Day Quote
“Crazy people don’t sit around wondering if they’re nuts.” – – Jake Gyllenhaal
“Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m schizophrenic, and so am I.” – – Oscar Levant
History and Origin of National Pralines Day
We did not find the creator of this sweet and nutty food holiday. Nor, did we find why he or she created it. Our speculation is the founder of National Pralines Day was a southern confectioner, perhaps in New Orleans where it was first made in America. Certainly, it was someone who loves this sweet and nutty confection.
The earliest reference to this holiday that we found was in 2011. And, the word “National” was in the title back then.
There are no congressional records to confirm that this is truly a national day. Nor, did we find a presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- A 450-ton meteor crashed in Chicora, PA. north of Pittsburgh. The only casualty was one cow…. RIP. (1938)
- The Orlando Magic takes LSU Center Shaquille O’Neal with the first pick of the NBA draft. (1992)
- Mick Fleetwood, musician and member of Fleetwood Mac. was born on this day in 1942.
Related Holidays
People who like this holiday will go nuts for:
More June 24 Holidays
Here are more June 24 holidays for you to enjoy:
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