Calisson: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:30, 13 February 2025

A traditional French confectionery made from almonds, candied fruit, and icing

Calisson[edit]

A traditional calisson from Aix-en-Provence

A calisson is a traditional French confectionery originating from the region of Provence, particularly the city of Aix-en-Provence. It is a sweet treat made from a paste of ground almonds and candied fruit, typically melon and orange, topped with a layer of royal icing.

History[edit]

The origins of the calisson can be traced back to the 15th century. It is believed that the confection was first made in 1454 for the wedding of King René of Anjou and Jeanne de Laval. The calisson became popular in Aix-en-Provence and has since been associated with the city.

Ingredients and Preparation[edit]

The main ingredients of a calisson include:

Ground almonds
Candied melon
Candied orange peel
Sugar
Royal icing

The preparation involves grinding the almonds and candied fruit into a smooth paste, which is then shaped into small, lozenge-shaped pieces. These pieces are covered with a thin layer of royal icing and left to dry.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Calissons are often enjoyed during festive occasions.

Calissons hold a special place in Provençal culture and are often enjoyed during festive occasions. They are traditionally blessed during the annual mass of the Blessing of the Calissons in Aix-en-Provence, which takes place on the first Sunday of September.

Modern Variations[edit]

While the traditional calisson is made with almonds and candied fruit, modern variations may include different flavors such as chocolate, lavender, or pistachio. These variations cater to contemporary tastes while maintaining the essence of the original confection.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Calisson''' is a traditional [[French confectionery]] specialty, originating from the [[Provence]] region. It is a type of candy, typically associated with the town of [[Aix-en-Provence]], hence it is also known as '''Calisson d'Aix'''.
+{{Short description|A traditional French confectionery made from almonds, candied fruit, and icing}}
-== History ==
+==Calisson==
+[[File:Calisson.jpg|thumb|right|A traditional calisson from Aix-en-Provence]]
+A '''calisson''' is a traditional French [[confectionery]] originating from the region of [[Provence]], particularly the city of [[Aix-en-Provence]]. It is a sweet treat made from a paste of ground [[almonds]] and candied [[fruit]], typically [[melon]] and [[orange]], topped with a layer of [[royal icing]].
-The history of Calisson dates back to the 15th century. It is believed to have been introduced in Aix-en-Provence in 1473 on the occasion of the wedding feast of King [[René of Anjou]]. The unique shape of Calisson, which resembles an almond, is said to have been inspired by the smile of the King's wife, Queen [[Jeanne de Laval]].
+==History==
+The origins of the calisson can be traced back to the 15th century. It is believed that the confection was first made in 1454 for the wedding of King [[René of Anjou]] and [[Jeanne de Laval]]. The calisson became popular in Aix-en-Provence and has since been associated with the city.
-== Composition ==
+==Ingredients and Preparation==
+The main ingredients of a calisson include:
+* Ground [[almonds]]
+* Candied [[melon]]
+* Candied [[orange]] peel
+* [[Sugar]]
+* [[Royal icing]]
-Calisson is composed of a smooth, pale yellow, homogeneous paste of candied fruit (especially [[melon]]s and [[orange]] peel) and ground [[almond]]s topped with a thin layer of royal icing. The paste and icing are typically set on a wafer base, giving the confection its distinctive texture and flavor.
+The preparation involves grinding the almonds and candied fruit into a smooth paste, which is then shaped into small, lozenge-shaped pieces. These pieces are covered with a thin layer of royal icing and left to dry.
-== Production ==
+==Cultural Significance==
+[[File:Calisson.jpg|thumb|left|Calissons are often enjoyed during festive occasions.]]
+Calissons hold a special place in Provençal culture and are often enjoyed during festive occasions. They are traditionally blessed during the annual mass of the [[Blessing of the Calissons]] in Aix-en-Provence, which takes place on the first Sunday of September.
-The production of Calisson involves a meticulous process. The almonds, which must be of the sweet variety, and the candied fruit are first ground together. This mixture is then combined with [[syrup]] to form a paste. The paste is spread onto a wafer, cut into the traditional diamond shape, and finally topped with royal icing.
+==Modern Variations==
+While the traditional calisson is made with almonds and candied fruit, modern variations may include different flavors such as [[chocolate]], [[lavender]], or [[pistachio]]. These variations cater to contemporary tastes while maintaining the essence of the original confection.
-== Recognition ==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Aix-en-Provence]]
+* [[Confectionery]]
+* [[Almond]]
+* [[Royal icing]]
-Calisson d'Aix has been recognized as a [[geographical indication]] (GI) under the European Union law since 1991. This means that only candies produced in the Aix area using the traditional method can be called "Calisson d'Aix".
+[[Category:French confectionery]]
+[[Category:Almond dishes]]
-== Cultural Significance ==
+[[Category:Provençal cuisine]]
-Calisson holds a significant place in Provencal culture. It is traditionally offered in churches of Aix-en-Provence on the first Sunday of September, a custom known as the "Blessing of the Calissons".
-== See Also ==
-* [[French cuisine]]
-* [[List of French desserts]]
-* [[Candy]]
-[[Category:French cuisine]]
-[[Category:Candy]]
-[[Category:Provence]]
-{{French cuisine}}
-{{Candy}}
-{{food-stub}}
-{{No image}}