Sugar Fix: Southern Candymakers

I can't believe it's time for my last NOLA post! I've had such a great time re-living this trip with you.

On our final day in NOLA, after the St. Charles Street trolley car, a healthy brunch at Meals from the Heart Cafe and a super, sugar rush at Cafe du Monde, what did we need? More sugar, of course!

The night before, during our dinner at Domenica, my friends recommended we sample pralines at Southern Candymakers in the French Quarter. They said, "Plenty of places advertise that they make pralines, but the best ones are at Southern Candymakers." They also said, "If for some reason you don't make it to Southern Candymakers, the best brand to buy at the airport is Aunt Sally's." Noted!

Southern Candymakers is easy to spot because the building is a bright, canary yellow.

As soon as you open the door your nostrils are hit with the sweet, intoxicating smell of sugar. It's like crack.

We approached the counter and just as we were squinting to read the labels in front of each row of treats a bubbly voice said in a thick, Southern accent, "Hey y'all, would ya like to try a praline?!" Why yes, yes we would!

If you've never had a praline, let me explain what exactly it is. According to the Southern Candymakers website, "Similar to candied pecans, only creamier, pecan pralines resemble a cookie, but are actually a crumbly candy patty made from fresh cream, butter, sugar, and Louisiana pecans."

Southern Candymakers make their pralines right there in the shop.

Their pralines were voted "Best of the U.S.A." by Bon Appetit magazine.

They have all kinds of flavors including original, chocolate, rum, coconut and sweet potato.

While my coworker hand picked her confections, I took a look around the rest of the store. I was completely charmed by these chocolate alligators, a nod to NOLA's swamps. How cute!

When it was my turn to order at the counter I decided to order a small box of pralines, half original and half chocolate. When the woman helping me had closed the box she asked, "Should I shrink wrap this? Are you traveling?" How cool is that? They shrink wrap your candy so it stays fresh on the way home!

When I reached out to take the box from her she said, "Awww honey, I love that nail color! What is it? Is it OPI?" How could I not love a place where the staff appreciates a beautiful manicure?

Back in Boston I did manage to wait one full day before ripping off that shrink wrap. I allowed myself one praline a day and boy were they delicious! Thank you to my friends for the excellent recommendation!

On that sweet note, ladies and gentlemen, the NOLA recap comes to an end. I'm definitely planning to visit New Orleans again. What should I add to my list for round two?

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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Address:
Southern Candymakers
334 Decatur Street
70130 New Orleans , LA
United States
Louisiana US