Uncovering the Sweet History of Comfits

Comfits (also spelled comfyts) is an archaic English word that refers to a type of sweet or confection made from sugar, honey, or fruit. The word is derived from the Old French word "comfit," which means "a sweetmeat" or "a sugared fruit."

Comfits were typically made by covering dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, with a layer of sugar and then baking them until the sugar was caramelized. They could also be made with nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, or with spices like cinnamon or ginger. Comfits were considered a luxury item and were often served at banquets and other special occasions.

Today, the word "comfit" is mostly used in historical or literary contexts to describe these sweet treats from the past. However, some modern bakers and confectioners have revived the tradition of making comfits using traditional recipes and ingredients, so you may be able to find them at specialty food shops or online.