The Thirteen Desserts is a traditional set of desserts served during Christmas in the Provence region of France. Traditionally, the Christmas "great supper", or gros souper would end with an offering of all thirteen desserts, representing Jesus Christ and the Twelve Apostles.
The host has some flexibility in choosing the thirteen, but the list would typically include:
The "four beggars" or quatre mendiants, representing the four mendicant monastic orders:
- Raisin for the Dominicans
- Walnut or hazelnuts for the Augustinians
- Dried figs for the Franciscans
- Almond for the Carmelites
- Also dates and dried plums.
As well as:
- Fresh fruit, typically mandarin oranges, pears, raisins, and winter melons.
- Thin waffles, called oreillettes.
- Membrillo quince paste or crystallized fruit
- Nougat, black and white, symbolizing either penitents or the struggle betyween good and eagle
- Fougasse, especially the olive-oil rich version called pompe à l'huile