European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - December 14, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse The lore of Lebkuchen stories by William a Mcmichaels he first written mention of Lebkuchen is found in he 11 in Century historical papers of numb org a1 Hal Lime in Europe the word literally translated id Honey Bui the very first version of Lebkuchen along Wilh urns of hone and milk was Lound buried in an egyptian lomb dating to 1500 . According to , this is Why Fie Bible advises readers to go to the land where milk and Honor Are plan Lieut " when it was first made in Germany Lebkuchen was a simple pastry without Many spices which were a precious commodity at the Lime. Even so the Art developed to where Bakers of the cakes became by official decree recognised As pan of a separate profession from other Bakeis when the Trade routes opened during the Middle Ages spices became both readily available and Joss expensive opening new horizons Lof those letiktlct\nef5 in addition the increasingly delicious and varied product began to be exported enhancing me reputation of Lebkuchen abroad the original sweetener used was Honor which was produced to and around Nurnberg sugar from Arabia eventually became available Fau was far too expensive Tor everyday use. Sugar is now commonly used in the factory produced cookies but for traditionalists Honey remains the favorite. Lebkuchen s place in German lore was probably secured in s487, when Kaiser emperor Friend Chi Iii held a Large political Assembly in Furnberg. During the festivities he invited nearly 4,000 girls and boys la the Castle whore each was presented a Lebkuchen adorned with he Kaiser s likeness. This Kais Erlein is baked in Nurnberg to this Day. Importation of spices and Export of Lebkuchen ground to a Hall during the thirty years was 16j8 164b. As Nurnberg was literally Cut Oft irom the outside world More recently the baking of Lesku often was baking with Honey spice and tradition for 42 years Kuno Ewert has practice ago Man Ira Dilion now associated wit Christmas that dates Back to he 11 a Century. Weil is a a Baker of Lebkuchen. Germany s unique Honey spice cake. He plies his Trade in a room sized bakery located in Nurnberg s Handwerker hot on the South end of the old town there Are Many varieties of Lebkuchen made Pihiou Douf Germany although Nurnberg s Large companies Are the Besl known manufacturers. Most of the cookies and cakes Are made year round and Are packaged in Advance for the Iris Las season admirers of these treats from around the world annually place orders with these firms for Christmas gifts and greetings the company Ewart works for also has a Large modern plan elsewhere in the cily but the firm maintains his Little shop to keep up the old fashioned preparation tradition this is a special recipe irom the 1500s, without sugar eggs or said Ewort of his Stop s specially. Refined sugar was l available in Germany Una Al the 1600s. And what was eventually imported was very costly. Honey was plentiful around Nurnberg however so i was used ins and. True to tradition Worl bakes on the Honey and Almond Libki Chen at his step unlike the familiar cookies seen in supermarket ump Ewe it s flavorful cakes Are one Inch thick live Inch squares Wilh a traditional arrangement of split almonds on lop since no grease was used for the pan centuries ago Ewert lines the Bottom of his pans As the Bakers of the Middle Ages did with crushed hazelnuts no preservatives of course Are used to says it s hot just a Job Lor him this Lebkuchen baking an Altitude his forebears no doubt would have admired. It s More of a Hobby to me he said i m doing research Wilh other cities on How they make Lebkuchen and i collect books and articles on it " the recipe he uses at his shop comes from 1fie Parent company s files. But Al Home Ewert has recipes that Date Back to fhe 13lh Century of course he s tried them All t key lasted real Good but they we a different irom the a Ebay Fien of Loday. The measure meals Are differ Cal " Ewe it sad he could f be certain whether Lebkuchen was strictly a Christmas Cootie Doivan to though the Arjes though it has become one in Grimany he noted hat 15th Century monks sustained themselves during the Lenlon fas Ling period Vilh inc cake and a special dark Beer visitors to Nurnberg s can drop by the shop to see ewer at work from 10 a in to 6 p m daily unlit can slams. Including Salu Days and sundays temporarily forbidden during december j916, when world War i created shortages of supplies. Without the proper ingredients ii was Felt that the True Leb Kuprion could no tie produced now. The majority of Nurnberg s cd Kumlien is produced in Large modern factories that bake he product year round for Sale during the Christmas season. Countless shapes sizes and flavors Are produced and packaged although it is still possible to Obi am i rashly baked old fashioned Lewic Chen in addition to flour and Honey the traditional ingredients of Lebkuchen can include cinnamon Nutmeg cardamom Pepper Ginger and Cedras Ruil which has an Orange Lemon flavor. The use of preservatives is not allowed seme versions arc lined with crushed hazelnuts on the Bottom while others feature a thin while wafer called Obladen a favored Rne Hod of enjoying be Kochionis Wilh a Glass of go Uhlein Tho hot. Spicy mulled wine enjoyed by germans during the holidays a it Wimam h. Mcmichael if Rapo Rii Tor the \ Al Ali Toj of new Volper "1 Kuno Swen unas a pan with crushed hazelnut. Page the stars and stripes monday co
