Why are sugar-coated almonds the preferred confection in bomboniere?
Almonds have been present at weddings and births as a symbol of prosperity since the early Roman Empire. During the 13th-century and perhaps earlier, honey was used to enhance their flavor. With the introduction of sugarcane in the European kitchens of the 15th-century, almonds adopted the thin layers of sugar we are accustomed to today. Their consumption became widespread in the late 18th-century when the first manufacturing facilities for sugar-coated almonds were established in Italy and confection stores began carrying them as a staple item.
What is the secret to a superior-tasting sugar-coated almond?
The secret is two-fold: the use of large, whole almonds (preferably of a variety called "Avola" that is grown in the Sicily region of Italy) and limiting the amount of starch in the almond's sugar-coating mixture to a bare minimum. The heavy use of starch results in a pasty or chalk-like taste. Manufacturers of lesser-quality sugar-coated almonds rely on heavy doses to solidify the sugar mixture more quickly and cut down on production time and costs. They may also resort to using almond pieces instead of whole almonds. The preference for "peeled" almonds (known in the industry as "Avola pelata") versus "non-peeled" almonds is generally a matter of taste and not necessarily an indication of quality. "Peeled" almonds will yield a sweeter-taste. If your preference is, instead, for a heartier and nuttier tasting confection, opt for sugar-coated almonds where the thin, dark skin on the exterior of the almond was left intact in the manufacturing process.
Are there alternatives to traditional sugar-coated almonds?
Yes! Popular alternatives include: chocolate-filled dragèes, confetti made with toasted almonds and hart-shaped confetti called "amorini."
Why are there always 5 sugar-coated almonds in bomboniere?
The 5 sugar-coated almonds represent 5 time-honored wishes: happiness, longevity, wealth, children, and health. The notion that sugar-coated almonds represent "the bitter and the sweet" in life is -by the way- untrue. Even in their earliest form, sugar-coated almonds were considered a sweet and precious delicacy. Not a bitter one!
Why do sugar-coated almonds come in so many different colors?
In Europe, the colors of sugar-coated almonds ("confetti") are symbolic of the event being celebrated.
- Weddings: White
- Engagements: Green for longevity
- Christenings or birth announcements: Pink, pastel blue or white.
- Holy Communions: White
- Graduations: Red for good luck!
- 25th Anniversaries: All silver or one silver and the rest white
- 50th Anniversaries: All gold or one gold and the rest white
In the USA, however, personal preferences and fancy often prevail over tradition. A bride may, for example, choose to use colors that match her bridesmaid's dresses, the season in which the wedding takes place, or the decorative scheme at her reception location. A graduate may substitute his/her school's colors to the color red. At engagements, white is often preferred to green mostly to avoid such negative connotations as "green with envy." No corresponding color exists for bridal showers, because they are not held in Europe. Americans have, therefore, adopted white and multicolored combinations for this much treasured tradition.
The colors of sugar-coated almonds for wedding anniversaries other than the 25th and 50th are supposed to match the colors of materials found in traditional anniversary gifts. This is a little tricky because the gift choices observed in Europe are different -for some anniversary years- from those observed in America. Outlined on the next page are the European choices as well as suggestions for American anniversaries.
European Anniversaries:
- 1st anniversaries: pink (cotton anniversary)
- 5th anniversaries: fuchsia (silk anniversary)
- 10th anniversaries: light yellow (tin or aluminum anniversary)
- 15th anniversaries: beige (china anniversary)
- 20th anniversaries: golden yellow (crystal anniversary)
- 25th anniversaries: silver (silver anniversary)
- 30th anniversaries: aquamarine (pearl anniversary)
- 35th anniversaries: blue (sapphire anniversary)
- 40th anniversaries: green (emerald anniversary)
- 45th anniversaries: red (ruby anniversary)
- 50th anniversaries: gold (golden anniversary)
- 55th anniversaries: ivory (ivory anniversary)
- 60th anniversaries: white (diamond anniversary)
Suggestions for American Anniversaries:
- 1st anniversaries: ivory (paper anniversary)
- 5th anniversaries: beige (wood anniversary)
- 10th anniversaries: light yellow (tin or aluminum anniversary)
- 15th anniversaries: golden yellow (crystal anniversary)
- 20th anniversaries: beige (china anniversary)
- 25th anniversaries: silver (silver anniversary)
- 30th anniversaries: pearl-coated (pearl anniversary)
- 35th anniversaries: coral (coral anniversary)
- 40th anniversaries: red (ruby anniversary)
- 45th anniversaries: blue (sapphire anniversary)
- 50th anniversaries: gold (golden anniversary)
- 55th anniversaries: green (emerald anniversary)
- 60th anniversaries: white (diamond anniversary)
What information should the included on the customary label or card that accompanies a bomboniera?
Depending on the occasion, a card or label should offer the following information:
- Weddings: The first names of the bride and groom and the date of wedding ceremony.
- Bridal Showers: The first or full name of the future bride and the date of the shower.
- Christenings: The name of the child and his/her date of birth. Not usually the date of the actual
christening, unless the word Christening of Baptism is used for clarification.
- Baby Showers: A card reading "[so-and-so's] Baby Shower" and the date of the shower.
- Holy Communions: A card reading "[so-and-so's] First Holy Communion" and the date of the Communion
ceremony.
- Graduations: The name of the graduate, the date of the graduation ceremony and optionally the name
of the school or university.
- Anniversaries: The first or full names of the couple and the dates of both their wedding and
anniversary.
Who should receive a bomboniera?
The general rule is to give one bomboniera per family or couple attending a celebration. Depending on the type of bomboniera chosen, some hosts/hostesses may choose to give one bomboniera to each and every guest. Close family members and friends who have played a special role in the celebration (i.e. a bridesmaid, a godparent, grandparents, a best man, etc.) may receive a different and more elaborate bomboniera than the guests. Friends and family who were not able to attend a celebration but sent a gift or a card with good wishes, should also receive a bomboniere as a thank-you of their thoughtfulness within a reasonable time after the celebration.
How should bomboniere be distributed or displayed?
If possible, a host and hostess should be take the time to distribute bomboniere personally. Alternatively, bomboniere can be used to enhance the décor of a reception location by creating displays such as the following:
- At individual place settings.
- On a reception table next to seating instructions or place cards.
- Work with your florist or decorator to create a unique and special display area.
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