Comfits are confectionery consisting of dried fruits, nuts, seeds or spices coated with sugar candy, often through sugar panning. Almond comfits (also known as "sugared almonds" or "Jordan almonds") in a muslin bag or other decorative container are a traditional gift at baptism and wedding celebrations in many countries of Europe and the Middle East, a custom which has spread to other countries such as Australia and Puerto Rico. Licorice comfits (sometimes sold as "torpedoes") [1] are typically multi-colored, while almond comfits are usually white for weddings and may be brightly colored for other occasions.
A late medieval recipe for comfits[2] is based on anise seeds, and suggests also making comfits with fennel, caraway, coriander, and diced ginger. These aniseed comfits seem to be a precursor of modern aniseed balls.
French almond comfits for a baptism
Red almond comfits, called "Confetti rossi", are used in Italy to celebrate the conferring of a degree.
^*British Library, Harleian collection, BL MS Harley. 2378. Composite Miscellany of Medical, Culinary and Alchemical Texts and Recipes. late 14th-15th cent.
