Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen, a beloved German spice cookie akin to gingerbread, holds a special place in the hearts of Esther Kempker’s family in Jefferson City, Missouri. A cherished Thanksgiving tradition, the recipe for these delightful treats has been passed down through generations, originating from Esther’s great-grandmother. The aroma of warm spices fills the air as the family gathers during the holiday weekend to bake these mouthwatering delights, creating cherished memories that blend the flavors of Germany and the spirit of togetherness.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon anise extract
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon each ground cloves, allspice, and cardamom
• ½ cup ground walnuts
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup pitted dates
• ½ cup candied lemon peel
• ⅓ cup flaked coconut
• ¼ cup candied orange peel
• 3 tablespoons candied pineapple

PREPARATIONS:

1. Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with foil, greasing the foil for easy removal.
2. Cream butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate molasses, buttermilk, and anise extract into the mixture.
3. Gradually add the combination of flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, allspice, and cardamom to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in the ground walnuts.
4. Use a food processor to chop the raisins, dates, lemon peel, coconut, orange peel, and pineapple. Stir the mixture into the batter.
5. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake at 350° for 25-28 minutes until lightly browned.

COOKING TIME:

Bake for 25-28 minutes at 350°.

GLAZE:

• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil, then whisk in confectioners’ sugar.
2. Spread the glaze over warm bars, then cut them into squares immediately.
3. Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack.

TIPS:

• To enhance the flavors, consider adding nuts, candied fruits, or other preferred ingredients.
• Experiment with different spice combinations for unique variations of Lebkuchen.

YIELD:

Makes approximately 3 dozen Lebkuchen.

Lebkuchen, a delightful German spice cookie akin to gingerbread, brings together the Kempker family in Jefferson City, Missouri, every Thanksgiving weekend. Passed down from Esther Kempker’s great-grandmother, this cherished recipe holds a deep connection to the family’s heritage, infusing the holiday season with warm spices and the joy of togetherness.

The preparation of Lebkuchen begins with a medley of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cardamom, complemented by the rich flavors of molasses and anise extract. The addition of ground walnuts adds a delightful nuttiness to the dough, enhancing its taste and texture.

The baking process transforms the dough into a golden-brown slab, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm spices. Once baked, a luscious glaze of sugar and water, accented with confectioners’ sugar, is spread over the warm bars, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Cutting the Lebkuchen into squares immediately allows the glaze to settle, while cooling on a wire rack ensures they retain their perfect texture.

Lebkuchen is a versatile treat that welcomes various adaptations. One can experiment with different types of nuts, candied fruits, or spices to create unique variations, adding a personal touch to this time-honored tradition.

As the family gathers each Thanksgiving weekend, the process of baking Lebkuchen fosters a sense of unity and nostalgia. The cookie’s distinct blend of flavors evokes memories of German heritage and fosters a strong bond between past and present generations. The joyous occasion not only creates delectable cookies but also precious moments of togetherness and shared traditions.

In conclusion, Lebkuchen is more than just a German spice cookie; it embodies the essence of family, heritage, and celebration. For the Kempker family in Jefferson City, Missouri, this delectable treat is a reminder of their roots, handed down through generations, and a symbol of love and togetherness during the Thanksgiving season.