Lee and I discovered the most interesting French Christmas tradition this week. It's a yummy treat, as well!! A papillote is a chocolate that is wrapped in tissue paper with a note written on it. The sparkly exterior paper has fringed ends. The papillote was created in Lyon at the end of the 18th century. Legend has it that a young man who worked in a candy shop was in love with a girl downstairs. (the romantic French!) To attract the young love's attention he wrapped love notes around each of the chocolates and tossed them into her window. (Of course striking her heart!) The owner of the candy shop found out their little secret. He found it original, and the idea has flamed into this delicious French Christmas tradition. Each Papillote comes with a thought from a French writer or philosopher, such as Maupassant. Papillotes usually decorate the Christmas table. Papillotes are to the French what candy canes are to Americans. Délicieux!!
Mme. Wallace
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