When Suzy and I were in Germany we discovered Lebkuchen, these lovely Christmas cookies, at the Kris Kringle Marts in almost every German town described as a German tradition that began more than 500 years ago in Dresden as Christkindlmarkt," (Christ child market). The markets features vendors’ stalls in the town square and combine shopping, food, drink, various other holiday merriment. The opening of the market is usually at Advent and it doesn’t close until Christmas Eve. Some markets are graced by an evening appearance of the "Christkind," or Christ child, usually portrayed by a local child.
But finding Lebkuchen in the states (US) can be very expensive. So here is a recipe that shows a lot of promise:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp grated lemon peel
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sweet rice flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1/4 cup garbanzo bean flour
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup mixed candied fruits and peels 2
- 2 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp apple juice or cider
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- lemon glaze
Beat the egg and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in honey, molasses, juices,and lemon peel In another bowl, thoroughly combine flours, xanthan gum, and spices Blend into molasses mixture. Stir in almonds and candied fruits. Chill dough several hours or overnight.
The next day sprinkle some waxed paper with powdered sugar. Roll out dough to 14 x 9 inch rectangle and cut into 1 1/2 x 2 inch cookies. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees F. about 12 minutes. Cool slightly and remove remove the cookies from cookie sheet and cool on rack.
While warm, brush with lemon glaze Lemon Glaze: Combine 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and enough lemon juice (about 2 tsp) to make a glaze. We hear that the cookies are better if allowed to sit a few days before eating.
Don’t even get me talking about Bauer Schnitzel and Gluehwein. Enjoy.
About Gandalfe
Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.
The Bis Key Chronicles 
we were there when my first boy was born. Bremerhaven. 😉
Oh, those look and sound so good…must have one, must have one now! …….dang….
wow, very cool!
it is inviting!!
Gluhwein is a must for us at Christmas, even though we are not in Germany – but close 😉 I find that most lebkuchen always gets a bit hard after some time, but leaving them on the central heating works wonders for them!Funny how our mind turns to food during Christmastime – celebrating does involve food, and these are just some really fine examples! Though – having a schnitzel for dinner… nah, that would be too plain for me!love, daphne
Daphne, a bauer schnitzel is covered with carrots, peas, bacon, and onion. Try it, you’ll never say ‘plain’ schnitzel again. ;o)
The recipe looks like a good one and I might be able to talk K into fixing them sometime…lol. He loves them too. We do purchase imported Lebkuchen each Christmas, and it has been a tradition in our family for years, and one I carried over to my family. I used to get a wider variety and amount but without children at home, and our keeping watch against added sugar, fats, and starch, we have cut down in many areas. My favorite are the chocolate covered.
Daphne, I was looking at this thread again and my first thought was our Lebkuchen never lasts long enough to get hard! :o)