A few pages from the history of Russian confectionery

Russia has its own school of confectionery, which is quite progressive and dynamically developing. This school was founded on European, Slavic, and a small portion of Asian culinary traditions, which were successfully combined into something entirely new.

Surely, many sweet-toothed and culinary enthusiasts have wondered who these celebrated Russian confectioners are, and whether they even exist. Which of their creations have we sampled? What are they famous for, and what are their achievements? To answer these questions, we'll explore several pages of Russian confectionary history, from ancient times to the present day.

Alexey Ivanovich Abrikosov

Obituary from a St. Petersburg newspaper: “On January 31, 1904, Alexey Ivanovich ABRIKOSOV, an honorary hereditary citizen, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, passed away.”

Abrikosov had a rather complex and interesting life, beginning as a courier and errand boy at a German consignment office and ending as an honorary citizen and owner of a large confectionery company. His numerous awards and decorations, including the title of nobility, testify to his significant contributions to the national confectionery industry. Abrikosov founded his first factory in 1850, and within 20 years, he had expanded it so much that he had to install one of the first steam engines in Russia and purchase 40 ovens for cooking confectionery.

By endlessly borrowing the best European sweet recipes of the time and combining them with traditional Russian confectionery, Alexey Ivanovich achieved a production of over 500 tons of a variety of delicious products previously unproduced in Russia. Fresh and breathtakingly delicious, created according to original recipes, these products instantly gained popularity among the nobility and common folk of the time.

Abrikosov's sweets were served both in the imperial palace and at fairgrounds throughout Russia.

The most famous product of the Abrikosov confectionery factory was the unique glazed fruits: watermelons, plums, and cherries in cognac and chocolate, the recipe for which until then was known only to leading European chefs and Abrikosov himself.

Ultimately, the entrepreneur's tireless activity led to his shops opening in many major cities of the empire, and he himself was awarded the title of "Supplier to the Court of His Imperial Majesty."

Abrikosov products have become a full-fledged brand, symbolizing quality and exquisite taste.

Alexander Seleznev

This man has mastered the world of sweets. He can create magnificent candies and cakes even from buckwheat. He can easily make special porous ice cream or a huge cake in the shape of anything.

Alexander Seleznev is one of the finest pastry chefs in modern Europe and the absolute champion of Russia. He founded his eponymous confectionery house, which continues to thrive today, advancing culinary art in Russia through television programs and the publication of literature for pastry chefs.