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Traditional Hungarian Christmas candy takes center stage

It’s that time of year again and no Christmas tree is complete without szaloncukor, a traditional Hungarian Christmas candy.

No Christmas tree is complete without szaloncukor, a traditional Hungarian Christmas candy.

The famous festive sweet is wrapped in colored foil, twisted around at both ends like a mini cracker. It’s very much a seasonal candy, so you know Christmas is here when it hits the shelves.

Szaloncukor dates back to 14th century France and the tradition is to decorate the Christmas tree with sweets and eat them during the festive period.

Famous Hungarian confectioners including Gerbeaud and Stühmer create their own recipes, and there are many different styles and flavors produced today.

Szaloncukor looks very much like a chocolate-covered bonbon, and comes in many guises ranging from chestnut to the popular jelly-filled option.

The best place to try this traditional Hungarian candy is at one of the many Christmas markets, or you could even be brave and hunt out the recipe and make it yourself!