Männele (St. Nicholas Bread)

This recipe is for a delightful and traditional Alsatian treat called Mannele, also known as Manala or Mannala. Mannele are sweet bread figures shaped like little gingerbread men. They are commonly enjoyed in Alsace, France, especially during the holiday season and Saint Nicholas Day. The dough is soft and fluffy, enriched with butter and eggs, resulting in a deliciously tender texture. These adorable bread figures are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

The tradition of making Mannele is deeply rooted in Alsace, particularly during the holiday season and Saint Nicholas Day. Saint Nicholas is a beloved figure who brings gifts to children on December 6th, and these charming bread figures are often associated with his feast day. Families and bakeries in Alsace take pride in creating these delightful treats to celebrate the occasion.

The aroma that fills the kitchen while the Mannele bake in the oven is truly enticing. The golden-brown crust that forms during baking adds a delightful crunch to the soft and fluffy interior. The combination of flavors, from the slight sweetness of the dough to the hints of butter and the occasional burst of sweetness from the raisins, creates a harmonious and satisfying taste experience.

Mannele are perfect for enjoying at breakfast, serving as a special treat for guests, or simply savoring as a comforting snack with a cup of tea or coffee. These adorable bread figures not only bring joy to the palate but also evoke a sense of tradition and togetherness.

Whether you have a connection to the Alsace region or simply appreciate delicious baked goods, making and enjoying Mannele is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of tradition and indulge in a delightful culinary experience.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Mannele:

• 500g flour
• 5g salt
• 90g sugar
• 200ml milk
• 30g fresh yeast
• 2 eggs
• 100g butter

For glaze and finishing:

• 1 egg
• 2.5ml powdered sugar
• 2.5ml milk
• Raisins

For the icing (optional):

• 100g icing sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Warm 100ml (6 tbsp.) of milk in a saucepan and pour it into a bowl.
3. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Add 100g (3 1/2 oz.) of flour and mix well. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise for 20 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter with the remaining milk, sugar, and salt without boiling. Remove from heat and let it cool to lukewarm.
5. Knead the butter-milk mixture into the yeast starter.
6. Incorporate the whole eggs and the rest of the flour. Knead the dough well for 10-15 minutes. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise for 30 minutes.
7. Transfer the dough to a floured board and form it into small cylinders that are 3cm in diameter and 15cm long.
8. Using scissors, make cuts to form the head, arms, and legs, giving the dough a gingerbread-man shape.
9. Place the Mannele on buttered baking sheets and glaze them with the beaten egg yolk (or egg yolk beaten with a little milk and sugar).
10. Form the eyes and nose using raisins. Let them rise for an additional 20 minutes.
11. Bake the Mannele in a preheated 180°C / 350°F oven for about 25 minutes or until they are nicely browned.