A royal taste of history: Candy maker Mazet keeps France's sweet traditions alive • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• La Confiserie Royale Maz: The oldest candy maker in France, founded in 1636.
• Pralin: A specialty candy made of almonds with caramel.
• Confiserie Royale: A royal candy maker, a designation of historical significance.
• Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage): A French designation for businesses with exceptional traditional know-how.
• Kumbawa: A citrus fruit from Thailand used for infusions.
• Boutique Ug Puer: A new shop opening in Paris by pastry chef Ug Puer, featuring traditional French desserts and pastries.

History of La Confiserie Royale Maz

La Confiserie Royale Maz is the oldest sweet shop in France, with a history dating back to 1636. The story began when a chef named Clément Jaluzo prepared a special treat for guests at a dinner. This specialty, a combination of almonds and caramel, was an immediate success. Following this, Jaluzo opened a small shop in Montargis in 1636, marking the start of the company's legacy. For two centuries, the shop held the esteemed title of "Confiserie Royale." In 1903, Leo Maz purchased the shop and added his name, leading to the current name, Maz. The shop is recognized as "Patrimoine Vivant," a designation for living cultural heritage in France, similar to other regional specialties like the Calissons of Aix-en-Provence or the Macarons of Paris. Montargis itself is a historic city, often referred to as "La Venise" (The Venice) due to its canals, and the shop's architecture reflects traditional French castle-like styles.

Products and Specialties of Maz

While the pralin (almonds with caramel) is the signature specialty, La Confiserie Royale Maz offers a variety of other almond-based confections. These include almond candies coated with milk and dark chocolate, available in different flavors. For the Christmas season, they offer a special pralin box and an advent calendar filled with various sweets. Another popular item in France, also available at Maz, is the "candy bear," with a special Christmas edition.

Ug Puer's Background and Philosophy

Ug Puer joined Maz in 2017. Prior to this, he had a distinguished career as a pastry chef. At the young age of 25, he was the youngest pastry chef in a three-star Michelin restaurant and worked in prestigious palaces across France. He also won first place in the French dessert competition. Puer emphasizes that the key qualities for working with candy and chocolate are curiosity, passion, and a genuine enjoyment of eating chocolate and pastries – being a "gourmand."

Inspiration and Travels

Puer draws significant inspiration from his travels. He highlights Thailand as a particularly inspiring destination due to its abundance of herbs and citrus fruits. He specifically mentions the "kumbawa," a Thai citrus, and its leaves, which are interesting for infusions. However, he believes inspiration can be found daily through travel and dining in excellent restaurants, stating that "inspiration is life."

Opening of Boutique Ug Puer

Ug Puer is set to open a new shop this month in Paris, near the Bourse. This boutique, named "Boutique Ug Puer," will be his first sweet shop opening under his own name. The concept is a "reset" of his work, aiming to prepare and offer the "best favorite desserts for French people." The boutique will feature traditional French desserts such as millefeuille, religieuse, and opera cakes, alongside a variety of sweet and savory brioches.

Conclusion

The interview highlights the rich history and enduring appeal of La Confiserie Royale Maz, France's oldest candy maker, and introduces Ug Puer, a renowned pastry chef who is now leading this historic establishment. Puer's passion for his craft, his global inspirations, and his upcoming venture with "Boutique Ug Puer" showcase a blend of tradition and innovation in the world of French patisserie and confiserie.