THIRTEEN DESSERTS OF CHRISTMAS IN PROVENCE

According to Christian tradition, the 13 desserts symbolize the Last Supper, which is the last meal taken by the twelve apostles and Christ. They must be served in the same presentation dish, or at least, all at the same time on the table on Christmas Eve, and must remain there for three days. 

The 13 desserts aren’t expensive or complicated. Some of the desserts are often made months in advance by the members of the family. They represent abundance, which is a good omen for the coming year.

The composition of the 13 desserts

This is a subject that is open to debate since, from one department to another, depending on family traditions, the elements that make up the 13 desserts can vary. But here is the list of the Christmas menu that seems to agree with the most people.

• The dried fruits. There is the dried fig which refers to the Franciscan religious order, the raisins for the Dominicans, the almonds for the carmelites, and the nuts (or hazelnuts) for the Augustins.

• Fresh fruits: reason, watermelon, orange (or tangerine), dates, exotic fruits (mango, pineapple, kiwi ...).

• The oil pump: this is a fougasse flavoured with orange blossom.

• Nougats: white nougat with hazelnuts, pine nuts and pistachios, red nougat with rose and pistachios, and black nougat with melted honey cooked with almonds.

Among the other different elements that can be found on a tray, we can cite: Aix calissons, quince paste, candied fruit, apples, plums, pears, biscuits, papillotes, crunchy almonds ...