A traditional French treat, complex mixture of finely ground bitter sweet almonds, candied Provençal melon and orange peel, set on a thin layer of wafer and topped with royal icing, has always been made in the same way by confectioners.
The legend is that the Calisson was invented by the confectioner of the King Le Roy René in 1454 at the King’s wedding banquet. His Queen - Jeanne de Laval, who was always looking sad, began to smile after eating the delicacy. She asked what it was and, in Provence language was told: “Di Calin Soun” sounding in French like Calisson and meaning “These are little hugs”. The shape is said to be representing the Queen’s smile.