Christmas Eve in Provence ends with dried figs, dates, clementines and nuts spread across the table: Arnaud Soubeyran’s Traditional Calissons, with candied melon, orange and almonds beneath their icing, take pride of place among the thirteen desserts.

Serves 6 · 15 min

  1. Arrange the 12 calissons on a large platter with a few pieces of white and dark nougat.
  2. Add dried figs, dates, raisins, almonds and walnuts, the traditional “four beggars.”
  3. Complete with clementines, pears and a few candied fruits.
  4. Serve after the Christmas Eve meal, as in Provence, with coffee or a glass of sweet Muscat (optional).

The star of this recipe: Traditional Calissons, by Arnaud Soubeyran.

— Clipperton