Calisson au Café

Introduction to Calisson au Café

The Calisson is a traditional French confection originating from the Provence region, specifically from Aix-en-Provence. It is a delightful blend of ground almonds and candied fruit layered with a thin coating of royal icing on top of a sheet of unleavened blond host paper. Traditionally, Calissons have an almond, melon, and orange peel flavor, but in this modern twist, we introduce a subtle yet rich coffee flavor creating the Calisson au Café.

This confection has been enjoyed since the 15th century and is often associated with celebrations and festive occasions. Legend says that Calissons were served at the wedding feast of King René of Anjou to his second wife, Jeanne de Laval, and symbolized love and harmony. Nowadays, Calissons are a symbol of the Provence region’s rich culinary history and are cherished for their unique texture and flavor.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Calisson au Café, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Almonds - 200 grams
• Candied Melons - 100 grams
• Candied Orange Peels - 50 grams
• Coffee Extract - 2 teaspoons
• Powdered Sugar - 150 grams
• Water - 50 milliliters (for the icing)
• Egg White - 1, medium size
• Wafer Paper - for the base

Preparation

Preparing the Mixture

Start by processing the almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine powdery consistency. Ensure that the almond meal remains dry to maintain the texture of the Calissons. Next, add the candied melons and candied orange peels into the processor. Pulse the mixture until all the elements are well combined and form a cohesive yet slightly sticky paste.

Infusing with Coffee

Incorporate coffee extract into the paste. The aim is to have a subtle coffee aroma that complements, not overpowers, the sweetness of the fruit and almonds. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the paste has an even distribution of the coffee flavor. This infusion poises an interesting dimension that balances traditional sweetness with coffee's bold richness.

Cooking Process

Forming the Calissons

Lay a layer of wafer paper on a flat surface. Spread the almond and candied fruit mixture evenly over the wafer paper until it reaches around 1 to 1.5 centimeters in thickness. Use a rolling pin if necessary to ensure the thickness is consistent. This consistency is essential for the Calissons au Café to maintain their iconic form.

Cutting the Shape

Traditionally, Calissons are diamond-shaped or oval-like in form. Use a Calisson cutter or a knife to shape the paste. If a cutter is unavailable, methodical hand-cutting works, but ensure uniformity in shape and size to maintain even cooking and presentation. Utilize any leftover trimmings by reforming them and cutting them into smaller shapes for tasting size pieces.

Making the Icing

Combine powdered sugar and egg white in a mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency. Stir in enough water to reach the desired consistency for glazing. Apply a thin layer of icing over each Calisson using a pastry brush or spatula. Be meticulous during this step to achieve a smooth and even coat.

Setting the Calissons

Allow the iced Calissons to dry at room temperature or slightly speed up this drying process with gentle heating not exceeding 50°C. This step could take several hours up to overnight, depending on ambient conditions. Patience is pivotal as rushing this step may ruin the texture or finish of the glaze.

How to Enjoy Calisson au Café

Calisson au Café can be savored as a stand-alone treat or paired with beverages such as coffee or tea to complement and enhance the flavor profile of the confection. For an authentic Provence experience, consider sharing these treats during a leisurely afternoon with friends or family, accompanied by a hot cup of café au lait or an aromatic herbal tea. These moments create both an indulgent tasting and a cultural reminiscence of Provençal roots.

Whatever the occasion, the Calisson au Café offers a unique blend of historical culinary artistry and modern flavors making it a perfect dessert to impress and delight guests. Use a cooking timer to ensure perfect preparation timing and enjoy the process of crafting this elegant confection.