Tuesday, December 11, 2012

wunderbar christmas cookies

During the holidays, there are some simple traditions that honor those we love.
I baked these springerle cookies in honor of my Mother who is 85 and still baking.
I use this recipe found here last year.
Here they are set on the parchment paper pressed and cut into squares to dry overnight or at least 12 hours before baking.  The tiny seeds you see are crushed anisette seeds which has a sort of licorice flavor.   The wooden mold that I use was given to me by my Mother.  I love the simple shapes, birds, bees, and creatures.
After baking they "spring" up and the surface becomes hard like a thin layer of plaster.
I saved a recipe which called for a confectioner's glaze which I tried.
It gives to cookies a lovely finish.  They are lovely to share with friends.

 Do you have "wunderbar" holiday traditions that you carry on?
Just in case you don't know, "Wunderbar means wonderful" in German.



14 comments:

Our French Inspired Home said...

These look amazing. I have never seen the little molds before. Something that I would love to try. I read the recipe and it looks so easy! -Tonya

Formerly known as Frau said...

Gorgeous cookies....or should I say wonderful!! I make the spritzer tree cookies every year...my Mom and sisters all do. Have a great day!

Jennifer C. Webb said...

those are amazing....and beautiful. I make gingerbread to share with our neighbors every year. But these much more festive

-love the little pots with spanish moss as well

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I've never heard of these but LOVE anise cookies in general. I'll have to look for some. So pretty too!

Tawna said...

I've never heard of these, but my, they are BEAUTIFUL. Such a lovely tradition!

Stacey said...

I might have had these before. When we lived in Vicenza, Italy, my neigbour who was German loved to bake and we're always invited over. Christmas time was no different and wunderbar does ring a bell...These look absolutely delicious!

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

Your cookies look beautiful! And I am sure taste just as delicious. Enjoy your day! xoxoxo

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

PS...I love that your mother is still baking at 85 - my mother who is also 85 was a wonderful baker but doesn't even turn on her oven any more now that she lives in a retirement community. It's such a lovely family tradition to bake together - my favorite memories are of baking with my mom and my three children!

Karena said...

Patricia I would love to find molds like your! beautiful little gems! My parents bake together, my dad loves to do the breads and Mom the sweets!

2012 Artists Series, I think you will love!
xoxo
Karena

julielorusso@gmail.com said...

very pretty cookies. I didn't know you bake too. So talented!

Unknown said...

Oh, you've made them! Wunderbar!
They look delicious! xoxox

Woodside Park said...

A beautiful tradition, Patrica! And such a lovely tribute to your mom. Sending you and her warm holiday greetings~
Loi

MJH Design Arts said...

Hi Patricia, Yes, we have a family Christmas cookie that everyone devours before Christmas; so I have to keep baking them for about two weeks. Pecan balls rolled in powdered sugar--passed down from my mother and great grandmother. Christmas without these guys just wouldn't be Christmas. Have a wonderful baking week.
Mary

BRASWELL said...

Oh how tasty these look. A lucky daughter to still have your mom's cooking. A Lane Cake is what my grandmother use to make during the holidays! Must look for that recipe. Thank you. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com