Simple recipe for homemade chocolate pralines

Are you tempted by the sight of beautiful sweets hiding chocolates in different flavours while you shop? Have you ever thought of making pralines at home? Don''t be intimidated, with a little effort you can make them even if you''re not the most skilled in the kitchen.

Pralines have a history as rich as their taste. The first pralines are said to have been made in the early 17th century by the chef of a famous French diplomat. Although chocolate was already known at the time, the first pralines were made from whole almonds coated with caramelised sugar. The name of the pralines comes from France, as the word ''praline'' means icing sugar mixed with chocolate.

Today, pralines are usually made from three basic ingredients - nuts, sugar and cream.

Did you know there is also a praline festival?

Every year on 24 June, confectioners and gourmets around the world celebrate a day when they can sweeten up without guilt and enjoy pralines in a hundred and one ways. Especially in New Orleans, a huge number of people gather around small and large praline shops on this day. If you are in the vicinity at this time of year, don''t forget to pop into one of them and enjoy the harmony of sweet flavours.