Nürnberg Lebkuchen

 

Lebkuchen

This recipe completes a week of Lebkuchen recipes shared with me by my 92 year old friend Clara who came to the United States from the Baden area of Germany.  As you see the paper has yellowed over time.  The recipe yields more than 100 spice cookies.  I would probably choose this recipe first to try only because of the simplicity of ingredients.  I have tried the recipe share by Alice Smith and it is wonderful.

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening (vegetable shortening)

1 cup sugar

4 egg yolks

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cloves ground

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup honey

Directions:

Cream shortening and sugar, and egg yolks together.  Sift flour and baking powder with spices two to three times.  Add honey to creamed mixture and then gradually add flour mixture. 

Let dough stand over night uncovered or chill in the refrigerator, and then roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8" thick.  Cut into squares or other shapes.  Place on greased cookie sheets and bake at 350 - 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until delicately brown.

When cool, mix two beaten egg whites with a little confectioners sugar to thicken, and frost.  Option, use coloring for a seasonal effect.