It's after Christmas but time for Lebkuchen!

Once of the ubiquitous treats in Germany at Christmastime is Lebkuchen. It is ubiquitous all year round in Nürnberg where it is considered a local specialty. As a matter of fact: Lebkuchen was invented by monks in Franconia, Germany in the 13th century. Lebkuchen bakers were recorded as early as 1296 in Ulm, and 1395 in Nürnberg (Nuremberg) which is the most famous exporter today of the product known as Nürnberger Lebkuchen (Nuremberg Lebkuchen). It is similar to gingerbread. The most common ingredients include honey, spices such as aniseed, coriander, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and allspice, nuts including almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, or candied fruit. One fun thing about them is that they frequently are baked on a sugar wafer very reminiscent of the host at the communion in the Christian church.

Bag of Lebkuchen

Brought to you from Hofheim in Lower Franconia (Unterfranken), Germany

On a recent trip to Germany we picked up some at a small store in the Großhadern section of Munich which is run by a cousin.  When he finds something he likes anywhere in Germany he then proceeds to bring the product, which he thinks is the best ever, to the store to sell it.  Today's chocolate covered variety were made at Konditorei Cafe Finger in Hofheim, Germany which is near Friesenhausen where he has a large estate type of property.

Five good size cakes to try.

Can be a number of different coatings - this was dark chocolate.

The thin wafer layer on the bottom like the Communion host.

The taste was typical, bit of a spice cake with hint of orange and ground nuts.  The dark chocolate coating was particularly nice.  Summing it up they were very good. The best ever? We are not so sure.