vanilla mocha

The French Creole culinary skills for creating 24 varieties of gourmet pralines and 27 varieties of gourmet praline cookies has been handed down from generation to generation. These treats were in great demand by family and friends; and thus Le Gourmet Praline was established to produce these elegant gourmet desserts for retail. The combination of natural flavors like sweet creamy butter and pure natural vanilla are just a couple of the key ingredients that Le Gourmet Praline has developed into a masterpiece for the public. Since its conception, Le Gourmet Praline continues to receive outstanding compliments for a product that is original, authentic and simply delicious.

Le Gourmet Pralines start with the finest of ingredients found near and abroad. We find the freshest naturally sweet almonds, sweet shredded coconut, the most wholesome of cashews, perfect Georgian pecans, US grown peanuts, imported pure and natural vanilla, cacao and the perfect blend of mocha. Each praline weight is approximately one ounce and approximately 3.5 inches in diameter. They are individually wrapped to preserve freshness and elegantly packaged to place them in a class of their own.

Putting together the business venture was the first start of making a dream become a reality. Starting from square one, we decided to attend a class on small business development. The instructor’s main focus is to provide information to help you succeed in your venture.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not permit food preparation in private residence kitchen for consumption by the public. A commercial kitchen would be needed to begin the preparation and packaging of these products. Once a kitchen was located, a food safety management certificate would be required to assure that the person responsible for food preparation acquire the knowledge to assure the food that is produced is safe for consumption and that proper sanitary conditions are observed to prevent food spoilage, contamination and food borne illnesses.

After this hurdle, Le Gourmet Praline had to meet FDA requirements for food labeling. The serving size of each gourmet praline and gourmet praline cookie was a minimal challenge in the measurement of the finished product. The internet served as a great tool in the search for specific FDA requirements for food labeling. I used  knowledge acquired during my studies of Food Service Management at Cook College, Rutgers University and produced a label compliant for food retail. Le Gourmet Praline was finally ready for inspection by the Department of Agriculture. This process took one year from beginning to the actual issue of a permit for operating this small business venture.

Now that requirements were met for food production, advertisement and marketing was the next step to promoting these products. Taking advantage of county fairs, festivals like the Annual Kumquat Festival held in January of each year, and small town functions like the Dade City Antique Car Show held monthly in Down Town Dade City, was the beginning steps to promoting these treats.   At times, local newspapers will publish stories about members in the community. Look for my article in the October/November issues of the Tampa Tribune (www.tbo.com), “Personalities of Pasco County”, by Geoff Fox. I plan to participate in the Buckler’s quarterly Arts and Craft Show in Tampa and Lakeland. I’m told that this venture draws anywhere from 3000-4000 people during each of those weekends. These are great opportunities to introduce gourmet pralines and gourmet praline cookies to prospective clients of Le Gourmet Praline.

Le Gourmet Praline opened for business on September 1, 2009 with Internet advertisement of 24 varieties of gourmet pralines and 27 varieties of gourmet praline cookies, corporate gifts and theme gift baskets for any occasion. These gifts will say more then you can ever express in words.