Face of the Devil, Charleston, SC, (c) DE Wolf 2014.

If you’re a dieter, then let me show you the face of the Devil – something sinful and irresistible. We bought it at River Street Sweets, 100 Market Street in Charleston, SC, transported it back to Boston, and there it sits on a plate begging to be eaten.  This is a genuine River Street Sweet’s praline.  You are  lured from the street by a warm and wonderful smell, you are given a sample by a sweet talking confectioner, and then you are sent to the back of the line where you purchase your own supply.

I first encountered pralines years ago in New Orleans and as a physicist I am mesmerized by them .  It just does not seem quite possible to pack so much carmelized sugar and nutty wonderfulness into so small a space.

Have one by itself.  Have one with coffee. Have one with champagne.  But you must have one.Sigh!