French Calissons

These small marzipan-like candies made with zesty orange, sweet melon and almonds make great festive snacks or gifts.

Prep Time:30

Cook Time:5

Total Time:35

Servings: candies

Boil water. Soak skinless almonds in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and preserve water.
Add melon, orange peel, and almonds to a blender. Process until combined.
Add water from the skinless almonds to the almond mixture and mix until the dough is formed. Let cool to room temperature.
Beat egg whites and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
Spread the dough on a baking tray to form a rectangle, top with egg-sugar mixture and let rest for an hour.
Preheat oven to 300°F and bake for 5 minutes. Let cool and cut into pieces.

You can buy calisson pans online if you want to make these often. Otherwise, just make a rectangular shape and cut it into pieces. Or make them in any shape you prefer! An almond-shaped cookie cutter is another good idea to get uniform shapes and sizes.
It’s important to let the dough reach room temperature before proceeding with the recipe, otherwise, it will be too loose and partially melt the royal icing on top. If that happens your calissons will look a mess!
Save money by making these yourself, since they cost upwards of $1.00 apiece from the bakery or store if you can even find them that is. Plus, homemade candies always taste way better!