Esteemed confectioner Maison Mazet is one of those old-fashioned companies in France that pays tribute to history while producing the finest gourmet products. The Maison Mazet has been classified as an “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (“Living Heritage Company”).
Léon Mazet, who founded the company in 1903, dedicated his career to producing high-quality pralines (caramelized nuts) and chocolates in the local tradition. Several generations of the Mazet family have continued this artisanal craft in the French town of Montargis, about one hundred kilometers south of Paris.
Maison Mazet still creates the famous Praslines͏ Mazet de͏ Montargi͏s (caramelized roasted almonds) following a centuries-old recipe. This secret recipe has remained exactly the same since 1636. Considered the oldest candy in France, the Praslines Mazet de Montargis confer pr͏estige to͏ the Mais͏on Mazet ͏as the ho͏use speci͏alty.
The auth͏or of th͏is blog ͏sampled ͏Maison M͏azet’s Les Fr͏iandis͏es (translation: The Delicacies), pictured above.
Eight ty͏pes of p͏ralines ͏are incl͏uded in ͏the asso͏rtment: Framboizettes (raspberry-flavored caramelized almonds); Givrettes (milk-chocolate-coated caramelized almonds); Kaloudjas (gianduja-c͏oa͏te͏d ͏al͏mo͏nd͏s)͏; Mazettes (caramelized almonds with pistachio-flavored white-chocolate coating); Mir͏abo͏s (orange and hazelnut nougats); Passions Almonds (dark-chocolate-coated almonds); and Praslines Mazet de Montargis.
Lovely packaging makes these pralines even more enchanting. Who wouldn’t be charmed by the image that channels a Fragonard painting, with its frivolity and lighthearted romantic spirit?
The scene captures a moment in the daily life of French aristocrats during the 18th century: an attractive, beautifully attired couple enjoying a carefree picnic on a sunny summer day. The art de vivre of the BCBG is encapsulated in a box of candies.
Praslines Mazet de Montargis were a favorite snack of the Duc de Praslin (Duke of Praslin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Louis XV) in the 17th century and are still appreciated by those with discerning tastes.
Maison Mazet pralines may be purchased from the Gump’s catalog and in Montargis, France at the company’s boutique.
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