Since we're visiting southern states this week on our virtual road trip, we wanted to make southern pralines. My father Keith and I (Alaina) decided to use this recipe to make our confections, but there are many other recipes out there and, not being a praline connoisseur, it's hard to say which is best.
These were extremely easy to make - it's essentially just a lot of stirring - and they turned out pretty decent. Truthfully - I have never had a praline in my life. I have no idea what they are supposed to look and taste like. Do I think our first attempts at pralines turned out correctly? Probably not. But they weren't bad for a first try!
Also, full disclosure: I believe pretty much everything can be improved with the addition of either coconut, nutmeg, or sprinkles. With that in mind, after we made a few "traditional" pralines, I poured a bunch of shredded coconut into the mixture and made a coconut praline. And they were delicious.
Not interested in making pralines for yourself? There are all kinds or recipes inspired by the southern states that you can try - like beignets, fried green tomatoes, gumbo, peach cobbler, and a Kentucky hot brown, just to name few. Go out on a limb and try something brand new, or try something a little more familiar. It's up to you!