Nonnette
The delicate nonnettes, or jam-filled individual cakes, are one of the classic French desserts. Although there are several different variations of the cake, essentially all of them are gingerbread cakes that are filled with aromatic orange jams and sweetened with honey.
The sponge of the little nonnette is soft, usually made with the addition of rye flour and honey, and generously spiced with the gingerbread spice mixture, which includes cinnamon, nutmeg, anise, cardamom, and ginger. At the heart of each cake, there is a pungent orange marmalade.
Occasionally, these tiny delicacies are glazed with a mixture of egg whites, sugar, and lemon juice. They are usually connected to the winter season, and are commonly offered during the St. Nicholas festivities in December, although they can be enjoyed all year round. Read more
Translated from French, the name nonnettes means little nuns, referring to the origin story of these French classics. In the Middle Ages, the nuns used to prepare these fragrant cakes at the local monasteries, and in the 19th century, they were commonly offered as a sweet refreshment to travelers who would pass in the vicinity of the monasteries.
It is believed that they originate from Dijon, but today they can be found in other parts of France as well. Nonnettes can be found at local bakeries, or bought in stores, which offer pre-packaged versions of these sweet delicacies.
