Wechmann Bread ~ Stutenkerl

Wechmann Bread ~ Stutenkerl

Today, the recipe comes from a family friend in  Germany with a tradition and lesson for all especially the children.  The recipe was offered by Melanie who was an au père for our son and daughter-in-law twenty-three years ago.  Today Meli, as we call her, is married to Leo and together they have two beautiful blonde daughters.  

Meli grew up in the city of Wuppertal.  The recipe shared is a traditional bread in Germany.  Depending on the region, it is eaten on the feast day of St. Martin, St. Nicholas, or Easter.

In Germany the holiday of St. Martin is celebrated November, 11th, called "St. Martin Day“. Centuries ago, St. Martin was a bishop who shared his coat with a very poor man. It was a cold winter night and the man sat outside the city walls. 

Every year on St. Martin Day, the kids make little lanterns and go on a "parade“ together. There is a "St. Martin" on a horse, and the kids follow singing songs. 

To celebrate the day, people also eat "Martinsbrötchen“ (Martin bread) which they can share. In Mel's hometown Wuppertal – as in many other regions in the west of Germany, a different tradition developed. People eat so called „Weckmänner“. They have many names, including „Stutenkerl“ and Klausenmann.  

They represent St. Martin or sometimes St. Nikolaus celebrated November 11 or December 6. 

This year, Melanie's Dad made some Stutenkerle ("Male boy") for the family by himself. Here is the recipe:

Stutenkerl-Recipe / Weckmann-recipe/Martinstag recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
1/3 cup sweet butter
3 tbsp shortening
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp real vanilla extract
1 lemon, grated peel
1 packet rapid yeast 1/4 ounce
3 tbsp warm water
4 whole eggs
6-2/3 cups flour
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water for glazing
clay pipe one pipe per Weckman

Directions:

Mix yeast with warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Place flour in a large bowl, make a well in the middle of the flour and pour yeast mixture into the well, cover and let rise for 20 minutes.

Combine milk, butter, shortening, and sugar in a saucepan and heat gently then set aside to cool.

Mix 4 eggs with vanilla extract and lemon peel and beat until smooth. Add to milk mixture once cooled down.

Add milk mixture to flour and mix all the ingredients together. Knead into a ball, dust with flour and let rise for 45 minutes

Roll dough and divide into 10 pieces to form into gingerbread men shaped Weckmänner. Place the Weckmänner on a large baking sheet covered with baking or wax paper, making sure to leave enough room between each shape. Let rise for a further 20 to 45 minutes.

Beat 1 eggs and mix with water

Brush Weckmänner with egg/water mixture, decorate with raisins and dried cranberries for the eyes and buttons, and a clay pipe.

Bake at 325 to 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.