I must admit I am a bit snobbish about food. The food and place had better go through the trail of time and competition. You would never find me in a brand new restaurant or queue up in front of a new patisserie. But, if any food item having been around more than a century, I simply have to try it, no matter whether to my taste or not. That’s how I come across many convent sweets in catholic countries in Europe.
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Convent sweets (dulces de convento) in Europe have a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages, when many convents and monasteries were centers of culinary innovation and excellence. These sweets are traditional desserts that have been prepared by nuns within the confines of convents for centuries. They originated as a way for religious communities to make use of surplus ingredients, such as eggs and sugar, and over time, these recipes became refined and cherished traditions.
In countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France, convent sweets hold a special place in culinary heritage. Each country has its unique variations, but they commonly include a wide range of pastries, cakes, biscuits, and candied fruits. Many of these recipes are closely guarded secrets, passed down from one generation of nuns to the next, and are renowned for their exquisite flavors and delicate craftsmanship.
Some well-known examples include:
- Spain: Here, you can find a wide array of dulces de convento such as “tocinillo de cielo” (a rich custard made from egg yolks and syrup), “yemas de Santa Teresa” (sweet egg yolk balls), and “mazapán” (marzipan), among others. Cities like Toledo and Seville are famous for their convent sweets.
- Portugal: Known for its “pastéis de nata” (custard tarts), Portugal also offers other conventual sweets like “pão de ló” (a sponge cake), “ovos moles” (soft eggs sweets from Aveiro), and “toucinho do céu” (almond and egg yolk cake).
- Italy: Italian convent sweets include “ricciarelli” (almond-based biscuits from Siena), “amaretti” (almond cookies), and various fruit pastries and cakes, reflecting the country’s regional diversity in convent recipes.
- France: French convent sweets might include “madeleines” (small sponge cakes with a distinctive shell shape), “nonnettes” (gingerbread cakes filled with jam), and “calissons” (a sweet made from ground almonds and candied fruit).
These sweets are not just a testament to the culinary skills of the nuns but also a window into the history and culture of European convents. Today, many convents continue to sell these sweets to the public, often as a means of supporting their communities. Visiting a convent to purchase these sweets can be a unique cultural experience, offering a taste of history that has been preserved through the dedication of these religious communities.
Question: List some of the well known places for convent sweets.
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Buying convent sweets directly from the source can be a delightful experience, offering not only a taste of these exquisite treats but also a glimpse into the serene world of convent life. Here are some well-known places across Europe where you can buy convent sweets, each renowned for its history and the quality of its confections:
Spain
- Convento de San Leandro in Seville: Famous for its yemas de San Leandro, an egg yolk and sugar treat.
- Monasterio de Santa María del Socorro in Seville: Known for a variety of traditional sweets.
- Convento de las Clarisas in Medina de Pomar, Burgos: Offers a wide range of traditional Spanish sweets.
Portugal
- Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon: While not a convent, it’s famous for its pastéis de nata, following an ancient recipe from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
- O Conventual in Alcobaça: A pastry shop near the Alcobaça Monastery, known for a variety of conventual sweets inspired by the monastery’s recipes.
Italy
- Pasticceria del Monastero di San Benedetto in Catania, Sicily: Offers traditional sweets made by the nuns, including cookies and cakes with ancient recipes.
- Le Clarisse in Florence: Known for its artisanal sweets made following traditional recipes.
France
- Les Bénédictines du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre in Paris: Offers a variety of sweets and other products made by the nuns.
- Abbaye de Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation in Le Barroux: Known for their traditional biscuits and other confectioneries.
It’s important to note that while some convents and monasteries have physical shops where you can buy their products directly, others sell their sweets through local markets, church events, or even online. The availability of these sweets can vary by season and demand, and in some cases, you may need to order in advance. Visiting these places not only allows you to enjoy delicious treats but also supports the religious communities that make them.
Question: any more?
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Certainly, there are numerous other convents and monasteries across Europe and beyond where you can find authentic convent sweets, each with its own unique offerings. Here are a few more notable examples:
Spain
- Monasterio de Santa Clara in Tordesillas: Known for its pastas de té (tea biscuits) and other traditional sweets.
- Real Monasterio de San Clemente in Seville: Offers a variety of baked goods and sweets, including traditional Spanish recipes.
Portugal
- Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra: Known for its array of traditional Portuguese sweets, often made from ancient recipes passed down through generations.
- Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória in Porto: Another location where you can find a variety of traditional sweets made by the nuns.
Italy
- Monastero di Santa Rosa in Conca dei Marini, Amalfi Coast: This former monastery is now a hotel, but it’s famous for inventing the sfogliatella, a shell-shaped filled pastry that is a staple in Neapolitan pastry shops.
- Monastero delle Benedettine in Siena: Offers ricciarelli, panforte, and other traditional Tuscan sweets.
France
- Abbaye de Chantelle in Saint-Vincent: Known for its biscuits and other sweets, alongside a range of beauty products made by the nuns.
- Abbaye de Cîteaux near Dijon: While famous for its cheese, this abbey also offers sweets and other food products made by the monks.
These locations highlight the diverse range of convent sweets available across Europe. The tradition of making and selling these sweets provides an important source of income for many religious communities, as well as a way to preserve their culinary heritage. When planning a visit, it’s a good idea to check in advance for visiting hours and the availability of sweets, as some convents may have specific times when they sell their products or may require pre-ordering.
