Loretta’s Authentic Pralines literally began with $700 in capital and has evolved 22 years later to a company with 2 locations and 15 employees. Loretta’s Authentic Pralines manufacturers the New Orleans sweet specialty in New Orleans. The praline (prah-lean) gets its origin from the French diplomat Cesar du Plessis Praslin. In France, Praslin discovered the confectionary technique of coating almonds with cooked sugar. These confections soon found their way to New Orleans where sugar cane and pecans are plentiful. The New Orleans praline now consists of sugar, pecans and a little cream to give the candy more body.