I think the answer any food historian would give here is... both! In medieval times Arab nations arrived in Southern Italy, bringing with them new exotic ingredients, including almonds. And a knack for crafting desserts similar to the sweet almond paste we now call marzipan. The Italians blended many Muslim culinary techniques with their own, and these practices spread throughout Western Europe over time. The French are credited with refining the ancient macaron cookie, and specifically for sandwiching two shells together with a creamy ganache.