Comfit facts for kids
Licorice comfits
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| Type | Confectionery |
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| Main ingredients | Dried fruits, nuts, seeds or spices, sugar candy |
Comfits are a type of sweet treat. They are made by coating dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or spices with a hard layer of sugar candy. This coating is often done using a special process called sugar panning.
One of the most famous types of comfits are almond comfits. You might know them as "sugared almonds" or "Jordan almonds". These are a traditional gift at special events like baptisms and weddings. People in many parts of Europe and the Middle East share them. This custom has also spread to countries like Australia and Puerto Rico.
Almond comfits are usually white for weddings. But they can be brightly colored for other celebrations. Licorice comfits, sometimes called torpedoes, are often multi-colored.
Contents
What Are Comfits?
Comfits are basically a delicious way to preserve and sweeten small food items. The sugar coating protects the inside and gives it a crunchy, sweet texture. The process of making them, sugar panning, involves slowly adding layers of sugar syrup. This is done while tumbling the items in a special machine.
A Sweet History
Comfits have been around for a very long time. People in the Middle Ages enjoyed them. An old recipe from that time describes making comfits with anise seeds. Anise seeds have a flavor a bit like licorice.
Early Comfit Flavors
Besides anise, early comfits were also made with other spices and seeds. These included fennel, caraway, and coriander. Sometimes, small pieces of ginger were also coated in sugar. These old aniseed comfits are like an early version of the aniseed balls we know today.
Comfits Around the World
Comfits are popular in many cultures. They are often linked to celebrations and good luck.
Special Occasions
In some countries, red almond comfits are used to celebrate getting a university degree. These are called "Confetti rossi" in Italy. Giving comfits is a way to share joy and good wishes.
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French almond comfits for a baptism
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Red almond comfits, called "Confetti rossi", are used in Italy to celebrate the conferring of a degree.
See also
In Spanish: Confite para niños
