Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen, or life cake, is a traditional German Christmas cookie that has been made since the 13th century.  The making and eating of Lebkuchen is as much a part of Christmas for my family as singing carols and exchanging gifts. Traditionally, Salt of Hartshorn and potash are used as a leavening agent. Lebkuchen is very similar to ginger bread. In Germany, a Lebkuchenpferd (lebkuchen horse) has the same cultural significance as the gingerbread man in America.

Grandma Tscherne's Lebkuchen Recipe

1/2 lb Honey

1 lb Lekvar (prune butter)

1/2 lb Sugar

1 lb Flour (3/4 and then 1/4 lb)

2 Tsp mixed spices (cloves, allspice, ginger)

2 Tbsp Cinnamon

1 grated Orange peel

1 grated Lemon peel

2 Eggs

1/2 c Cocoa

Preheat oven to 340 degrees F.

Warm honey and lekvar, stir in sugar , let cool. Add the rest of the ingredients except 1/4 lb flour

Refrigerate overnight.

Add remaining 1/4 lb flour and 1 tsp baking powder (or Salt of Hartshorn/potash if you can find them)...roll out and bake.

Bake for 15 min

Create a glaze out of confectioners sugar and Sambvca rum. Generously glaze the cookies when cool.