Calissons are specialty candies from Provence made with a soft mixture of finely crushed almonds and candied fruits (melons, orange peels), honey and orange blossom.
It was believed that the Calissons first appeared in the middle of the 15th century. At the age of 22, Princess Jeanne de Laval was unhappy to be engaged to the 45 year-old King Rene d'Anjou. To cheer her up, King Rene had his head confectioner prepare sweets that resemble smiles for their royal wedding feast. The Queen-to-be turned her frown around upon seeing the Calissons and the two actually had an endearing and long-lasting marriage.
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