Every year, as Christmas approaches, Provence reveals one of its tastiest traditions: the 13 Christmas desserts.
This ancestral ritual, a symbol of sharing and conviviality, gives pride of place to sweets typical of the region. These include calissons, nougats, candied fruits and mendiants produced by La Maison du Fruit Confit.
December 01, 2024 - Reading time: 2 minutes
A flavourful Provencal tradition
According to Catholic tradition, the 13 desserts represent Christ and his 12 apostles at the Last Supper. Carefully prepared, they are presented on the Christmas table to be enjoyed after the “big supper”. Each dessert has a symbolic meaning and reveals a piece of Provence's gastronomic heritage.
Here are the must-have 13 desserts:
- The 4 mendiants: symbolizing the mendicant religious orders, they include dried fruits such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and dried figs.
- Black nougat and white nougat: both crunchy and melting, they evoke the balance between good and evil.
- Calissons d'Aix: an iconic sweet from Provence, combining almonds and candied melon.
- Candied fruit: an artisanal specialty that sublimates the taste of citrus fruits, cherries, melons and other seasonal fruits.
- Dates: symbolizing the Orient and the flight to Egypt.
- Oil pumps: a brioche flavored with olive oil and orange blossom.
- Raisins, plums and pears: simple fruits that complete this composition.
La Maison du Fruit Confit: at the heart of Provencal traditions
A specialist in Provençal sweets, La Maison du Fruit Confit perpetuates a unique savoir-faire by sublimating fruit and almonds in its creations. Our calissons, with their authentic flavors, and our nougats, made with exceptional ingredients, delight the taste buds of lovers of gourmet traditions.
As for our candied fruits, they are a veritable gastronomic work of art. Oranges, cherries, melons and other selected fruits are slowly candied to preserve their natural aromas. Finally, our mendiants, chocolate discs adorned with dried and candied fruit, add a modern, crunchy touch to this ancestral tradition.
How to prepare a successful table of 13 desserts?
Select your sweets: include must-haves like calissons, nougats and candied fruits from La Maison du Fruit Confit. Take care with presentation: arrange each dessert on a variety of dishes or platters, playing with colors and textures. Add a personal touch: decorate with fir branches, candles or natural elements for a warm ambience.
The thirteen desserts of Provence perfectly embody the festive, generous soul of the region. Thanks to La Maison du Fruit Confit, you can recreate this tradition at home with authentic, tasty products. Gather your friends and family around these sweet treats and share a moment of conviviality and indulgence. Enjoy!
Assorted dark and milk chocolate beggars 130g
