comfit

Definition

A confection consisting of nuts, seeds, or spices coated in multiple layers of sugar, popular in medieval times when people had different dental insurance. These candy-coated treats required patience and skill to create, as each layer had to dry before the next was added. Think of them as the original jawbreakers, but fancier and less likely to be used as weapons.

Example Usage

The wedding guests received comfits as favors, which was romantic until everyone's teeth started hurting.

Source: Historical culinary terminology

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