Good morning, its National Pferrernuesse Day. I don’t know about you but none of my family had ever heard of this Cookie. With it being Spicy I can’t ever try it if I could find one. But Charlie and David could and most likely would like it because the like Spicy things. How about you. Have you have had a Pfeffernuesse Cookie? If so, what did you think of the Cookie and why?
National Pfeffernuesse Day*
Celebrated on December 23rd, every year. The Holiday is dedicated to the tasty cookie called Pfeffernuss (plural, Pfeffernusse). This Spice delicacy is believed to have originated in Germany, but it is also very popular in Denmark and the Netherlands. Pfeffernuss is a Holiday treat that has been an integral part of Yuletide Celebrations like St. Nicholas Day and Christmas. National Pfeffernusse Day is a Holiday to make your own Pfeffernusse and enjoy the tasty delicacy with family.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PFEFFERNUSSE DAY
Pfeffernusse, also known as ‘Pepernoten’ or Peppernuts, originated from Central Europe. A confectioner from Offenbach am Main, named Johann Fleischmann, is believed to have created the recipe in 1753. Since then, this Cookie became very popular, attracting the interest of many people, including renowned individuals like Felix Mendelssohn.
Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands are the Countries most popularly known for PFEFFERNUSSE. In North America, the ethnic Mennonites are also very fond of Pfeffernusse. Today, the recipe is widely available, and the Cookie is widely consumed around the world. However, Pfeffernusse is traditionally reserved for Holidays around December. This is in keeping with the tradition of its origins, as PFEFFERNUSSE has been associated with the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas.
The traditional recipe consists of Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mace, Anise, Sugar, Butter, Eggs, and Flour. Nuts such as Walnuts and Almonds are used to give PFEFFERNUSSE flavor. Leavening agents are applied to the mixture, kneaded, and then baked. PFEFFERNUSSE usually come out hard from the oven but would soften after a few days. PFEFFERNUSSE are tiny and are sometimes shaped like Nuts, which is probably why they are called Peppernuts. Nowadays, bakers make alterations to the recipe to include other ingredients or remove existing ingredients. While PFEFFERNUSSE generally have a Spicy taste, you can easily adjust the amount of Spice you’d want. On National Pfeffernusse Day, homemade Peppernuts are made available for the family.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PFEFFERNUSSE DAY
- Search online and find a recipe for Pfeffermusse on the internet. Gather the ingredients and work the magic in the kitchen.
- Since this Holiday falls during the Christmas period, it is good to have friends and family to enjoy the delicacy together.
- Share stories about the Cookies you find online with your friends. Include the History of the cookie and the sweetness thereof.
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT PFEFFERNUSSE
- Peppernuts are often rubbed with Sugar powder or Honey on the outside.
- Due to the variety of Spices added, Pfeffernuss can have a very spicy taste. That leaves me out from trying one. How about you?
- Pfeffernuss is also known as Peppernuts and Pepernoten.
- Pfeffernuss is often confused with a Russian Tea Cake, ‘Speculaas,’ and ‘Kruidnoten.’
- Bakers personalize recipes but keep traditional ingredients while adding ingredients of their choice.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL PFEFFERNUSSE DAY
- The ingredients required are easily accessible and and the process of mixing and baking is very straightforward. So what is stopping you from preparing Pfeffernusse?
- Instead of other too common and sometimes unhealthy treats, Pfeffernusse will suffice. Pfeffernusse are very tasty, and you might not want to stop eating once you start.
- On National Pfeffernusse Day, you can be with family and friends, and you can even join hands in the kitchen to bake Pfeffernusse.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
