François Doucet Advent Calendar from Provence

It's tradition in our home to count down the days with a felt ornament advent calendar that we got from a church bazaar when I was a child. It's a great tradition, but it lacks one crucial element: something sweet to eat.

Thank goodness for François Doucet. They've been crafting confections in Provence in southern France since the late '60s and over the years their treats have only gotten more and more delicious.

We’re big fans of their pâte de fruit, made with loads of local Provençal fruits, so it wasn’t a big stretch to fall for this advent calendar. They hide pâte de fruit among the twenty-four doors, as well as chocolate covered nuts and fruits and more sweet treats. Each day holds a special treat and makes the agony of counting down to Christmas day just a bit more bearable.