It’s a confection with a history as rich as its flavor. The praline’s origins may date back as far as the early 17th century. It’s believed the praline was created by Chef Clement Lassagne, who worked for French diplomat César duc de Choiseul, Comte du Plessis-Praslin.

While the original French praline recipe used almonds, that nut wasn’t as easily attainable in the south during the mid-1700s. Pecan trees, native to Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, and other southern states offered a delicious solution; switch the almonds for pecans. The pecan praline quickly gained popularity and today is still one of the most loved confections from this part of the country.