These gingerbread type bars are very yummy, chewy and keep a long time. German gingerbread has medicinal powers as believed in the ancient days, so go ahead - indulge.
Grease a 10" X 15" metal baking pan. Pre-heat oven to 325F.
Measure oil in measuring cup and pour in medium or large saucepan (2 qt or larger). Then add honey to measuring cup to measure (the oiled cup will release the honey easily) and add to oil. Break up the chocolate and add to the saucepan. Put saucepan onto low to medium heat.
Add brown sugar and salt stirring slowly with a wooden spoon using caution not let mixture get too hot - do not let mixture come to a boil.
Then add rum extract, all spices, ground almonds and stir mixture to combine all of the ingredients. Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.
Add both eggs stirring well. Then add flour and baking powder, mixing these together before adding. Stir batter well; it will be stiff and sticky.
Pour batter into prepared pan.Take care to spread it evenly in the pan and into the corners.
Bake in the middle of the pre-heated oven for approx. 20 minutes until just done. Caution: Overbaking will dry out cake very quickly. You can visually see that the baked edge is done and a wooden toothpick will come out clean.
When done remove from oven and let cool in pan uncovered for the first day or at least overnight. Cut into squares or shapes and then store airtight in container(s). Separate layers with wax paper to prevent bars or cakes from sticking together.
Suggestion: Decorate unbaked cake with skinned almonds (halves or whole) which are slightly pushed in the dough, if desired. Then bake as directed.
When done let cake cool in pan on wire rack and let stand uncovered for a day or at least overnight. Then store in airtight container separating layers with wax paper. Keeps fresh long! Optionally decorate with sieved powdered sugar.
*Spices are the signature of your Lebkuchen. You may alter the combination to your liking and/or per availability. When making Lebkuchen regularly mix and store your spices to have ready at hand.
Traditionally there are nine Lebkuchen spices in total. The background of the spice mixture is the symbolic that nine spices are necessary for the complete praise of God. It points to the Trinity, the three elements earth, air and water as well as earth, heaven and hell. The nine spices are allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, anise, coriander, cardamom, nutmeg and fennel. (Wikipedia)
My grandmother told me that old or hardened gingerbread was used to thicken sauces and gravies. I actually found reference to this in a cookbook with old recipies. I haven't had a chance to try this yet since mine never gets old or hard
I have used minced ginger instead of ground ginger once. It did change the texture of the cake a little, but it was just as good..
View line-by-line Nutrition Insights™: Discover which ingredients contribute the calories/sodium/etc.
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Serving Size: 1 Serving (87g) | ||
Recipe Makes: 12 Servings | ||
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Calories: 309 | ||
Calories from Fat: 123 (40%) | ||
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Amt Per Serving | % DV | |
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Total Fat 13.7g | 18 % | |
Saturated Fat 1.1g | 5 % | |
Monounsaturated Fat 9.2g | ||
Polyunsanturated Fat 2.7g | ||
Cholesterol 0.8mg | 0 % | |
Sodium 89mg | 3 % | |
Potassium 141.2mg | 4 % | |
Total Carbohydrate 43.9g | 13 % | |
Dietary Fiber 1.7g | 7 % | |
Sugars, other 42.2g | ||
Protein 4.7g | 7 % | |
Powered by: USDA Nutrition Database Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are derived from linked ingredients (shown at left in colored bullets) and may or may not be complete. Always consult a licensed nutritionist or doctor if you have a nutrition-related medical condition. |
Calories per serving: 309
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