Recipe for Calisson d’Aix a Sweet Almond Candy with a Long History (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of calissons d Aix? ›

Its origins date back to the 13th century but it appeared in the 15th century with the emergence of a legend: during the second wedding of King René (Count of Provence) with Jeanne de Laval, known for never smiling, the court pastry chef created this confection especially for the new queen who, after tasting it, became ...

Calissons are a traditional French candy consisting of a smooth, pale yellow, hom*ogeneous paste of candied fruit (especially melons and oranges) and ground almonds topped with a thin layer of royal icing. They have a texture similar to that of marzipan, but with a fruitier, distinctly melon-like flavour.

The calisson is a traditional candy made in the heart of Provence, more precisely the warm region of Aix-en-Provence. A perfect blend of sweet and bitter almonds, candied melons and orange peel, the “calisson d'Aix” is a southern delicacy and one of France's most beloved candies.

Cut into bite-sized squares or diamond shapes with a sharp knife. The calisson also freeze well for up to 1 month.

[kalisɔ̃ ] masculine noun. diamond-shaped sweet made with ground almonds.

In the "new world," these small, sugar-coated candies are called "Jordan almonds." In Italy, they are at every important event and are also called "Jordan almonds." Sugar almonds, "Jordan almonds," and trajes are all names for these sweets. "Confetti" is the common name for colored paper towels.

In Italy and other European countries, their name is "confetti". These are sugared almonds but with a spun sugar shell. They are still very popular for weddings, christenings, first communions and other events.

Bonbon means "candy" in French.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azure is perhaps best known for Brousse du Rove, an unpasteurised goat's milk cheese first produced over 2000 years ago. Brousse de Rove has a creamy, soft, sweet taste, and is commonly sold in plastic conical cylinders. From the town of Banon in Provence is Banon cheese.

The calissons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Adapted from “Payard Cookies,” by Francois Payard with Anne E. McBride (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015).

Is marzipan an almond? ›

Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar and almond meal (ground almonds), sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract. It is often made into sweets; common uses are chocolate-covered marzipan and small marzipan imitations of fruits and vegetables.

A: If you have only used part of a packet of marzipan and have no immediate use for the left overs, you can tightly wrap the unused marzipan in freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 months. If your packets are unopened you will probably find you don't need to as marzipan naturally has a long shelf life.

Calissons have been tickling Provençal taste buds since the 15th century. According to local legend, Roy René's confectioner made this almond-based treat for the king's wedding in 1454.

The Calisson is a speciality from Aix-en-Provence made with a mixture of finely ground sweet almonds, candied melon and orange peel, with a thin wafer on the bottom and topped with white icing.

Modern-day wine-making Provence was born.

Grape-growing boomed starting in the High Middle Ages. From the 5th to 12th centuries, local abbeys produced wine: Saint-Victor Abbey in Marseille, Saint-Honorat on the Lérins Islands (off the coast of Cannes), Saint-Pons in Nice and Le Thoronet Abbey.

Aix (Aquae Sextiae) was founded in 123 BC by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus, who gave his name to its springs, following the destruction of the nearby Gallic oppidum at Entremont.