Wir lieben Lebkuchen
I've been writing about tasty holiday treats from around the world and inviting readers to share their own holiday traditions. Thanks, Marco, for sharing yours with us!
No German Christmas is complete without "Lebkuchen", somewhat resembling gingerbread and dating back to the 13th century. We got a big care package from Germany, but Amazon has them as well, see http://bit.ly/7TMs17.
I love lebkuchen, especially the over-sized soft and spicy discs enrobed in chocolate, though traditional lebkuchen is made without chocolate, rather honey, spices, nuts or candied fruit.
When I lived in New York City, I made a pilgrimage every December from my apartment in Greenwich Village uptown to the Yorkville neighborhood. Eighty-sixth Street was also known as German Boulevard, and that's where I would go for German holiday treats, especially lebkuchen. Sadly, 86th Street no longer boasts the wonderful German shops that once lined the streets. At least the lebkuchen we love lives on.
If you celebrate any tasty holiday traditions from other cultures or countries, won't you share them with us?
--Tracy Schneider
Thea on December 21, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Cost Plus and Trader Joe's also carry yummy lebkuchen, and Han's Deli in Burien has a great variety of German treats.
Marlis Korber on December 22, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Locally made lebkuchen can be ordered from Morning Star Bakery on 65th and Ravenna.
206-729-3613. It is thinner and fresh cut. Very very good.
They are only a wholesale bakery but take retail orders. If you love those fresh pretzels at Whole Foods- here is the source. This is NOT a walk in bakery- only pre orders. Only lebkuchen around the holidays.
Tracy Schneider on December 24, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Thanks, Marlis. What a coincidence! I did order lebkuchen from Morning Star Bakery. It's fabulous! Their pfeffernuss cookies and marzipan stollen are great too.