**Lebkuchen: A Journey Through History and Taste**
Lebkuchen, a traditional German gingerbread, has captivated taste buds for centuries with its rich flavors and enticing aromas. Originating in the medieval city of Nuremberg, this delectable treat has evolved into a symbol of German culinary heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a delectable journey through the history, variations, and authentic recipes of Lebkuchen. Discover the secrets behind its unique blend of spices, the artistry of its intricate designs, and the heartwarming stories associated with this beloved confection. From the classic soft and chewy Lebkuchen to the crispy Pfeffernüsse and the delicate Oblatenlebkuchen, our collection of recipes offers a tantalizing array of textures and flavors. Prepare to indulge in the timeless tradition of Lebkuchen baking, creating memories and moments of pure delight.
LEBKUCHEN VI
I brought this recipe over from Germany almost 20 years ago. It has molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, honey and brown sugar in it. This is one of my favorite memories of Germany at Christmastime.
Provided by Debi
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European German
Time 10h
Yield 72
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the honey and molasses. Bring the mixture to a boil, remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, egg, lemon juice and lemon zest. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg. Add the molasses mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in the citron and hazelnuts. Cover dough and chill overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Using a small amount of dough at a time, roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into small rectangles and place them 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until no imprint remains when touched lightly. Brush the icing over the cookies while they are still hot and quickly remove them to wire cooling racks. Store in airtight container with a cup of orange or apple for a few days to mellow.
- To make the icing: Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Remove from heat and stir in the confectioners' sugar. If icing becomes sugary while brushing cookies, re-heat slightly- adding a little water until crystals dissolve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 60.6 calories, Carbohydrate 13.8 g, Cholesterol 2.6 mg, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 14.7 mg, Sugar 8.7 g
AUTHENTIC GERMAN LEBKUCHEN
This recipe is over 150 years old and has been baked by my family for many generations for Christmas. They are much easier to make than other lebkuchen and ingredients have been updated to what's available now. They are made with almond flour, hence are gluten free and also contain no dairy.
Provided by Ruth
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European German
Time 1h10m
Yield 25
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange backoblaten (German baking wafers) on top, leaving a 1-inch space between them.
- Combine almond flour, sugar, eggs, ground hazelnuts, candied lemon and orange peel, ground cinnamon, vanilla sugar, and ground cloves and mix into a firm dough.
- Shape mixture into balls. Arrange balls on the prepared wafers; press gently to flatten into 1/2-inch-high rounds.
- Bake in the preheated oven until light brown in color, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- Place chocolate in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Cover the top of each lebkuchen with chocolate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.4 calories, Carbohydrate 24.8 g, Cholesterol 23 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 9.3 mg, Sugar 17.1 g
GERMAN LEBKUCHEN
A German honey Christmas cookie made with molasses.
Provided by HILARY2000
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European German
Time 8h20m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg, brown sugar and honey until smooth. Stir in the molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and allspice; stir into the molasses mixture. Stir in the almonds and candied fruit peel. Cover or wrap dough, and chill overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into 2x3 inch rectangles. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. While still warm, brush the cookies with the lemon glaze.
- To make the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the egg white, lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Brush over cookies.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 119.9 calories, Carbohydrate 26.6 g, Cholesterol 5.2 mg, Fat 1.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 24.1 mg, Sugar 14.6 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your Lebkuchen.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the Lebkuchen tough.
- Let the dough rest before baking. This will allow the flavors to develop and the dough to become easier to work with.
- Bake the Lebkuchen at a moderate temperature. This will help prevent them from burning.
- Let the Lebkuchen cool completely before glazing them. This will help the glaze to set properly.
Conclusion:
Lebkuchen are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a snack. With a little effort, you can easily make Lebkuchen at home using the recipes provided in this article. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
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