[Sca-cooks] A question about dates and marzipan

[Daniel & Elizabeth Phelps]

Was written:

> Is there any textual evidence for almond- or marzipan-stuffed dates in 
> period?  I've run across a modern reference to them as a "traditional 
> Scottish treat" (for what that's worth), but it got me to wondering.
>
I suggest wondering both if and if then when.  Give the assumption that both 
almonds and dates are non-native to Scotland such use would require their 
import.  Such import would require trade with the regions from whence they 
came.  Such trade would be either direct or indirect.  Thus accounts, 
descriptions and analysis of trade would perhaps be of use?   This would of 
course only establish that the raw materials were available rather than 
evidencing the specific use postulated.  For that one would need 
documentation either in contemporary accounts, in paintings perhaps or in 
actual artifacts preserved.  Regards specifc use a connection perhaps could 
be established from France to Scotland?  If so then the suggestion could be 
made that if such confections were made France within the time frame 
specified them they might have been carried hence to Scotland either as 
finished goods or via the knowledge of thier manufacture.

That is as far as this chain of conjecture leads me, perhaps others might 
provide more substance to the discussion?

Daniel