Basler Läckerli facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Leckerli, Läggerli |
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| Type | Biscuit |
| Place of origin | Switzerland |
| Region or state | Basel |
| Main ingredients | Honey, hazelnuts, almonds, candied peel, Kirsch |
The Basler Läckerli is a yummy, traditional chewy spice biscuit (or cookie) from Basel, Switzerland. Its name comes from the German word lecker, which means "delicious." This tasty treat is made with honey, hazelnuts, almonds, candied fruit peel, and a splash of Kirsch (a type of fruit brandy).
After the dough is baked flat, it gets a sweet sugar glaze while still warm. Then, it's cut into small, rectangular pieces. Basler Läckerli were first made by spice merchants in Basel over 700 years ago. You can find and enjoy them all year round!
Contents
What is Basler Läckerli?
Basler Läckerli is a special kind of gingerbread or spice cookie. It's known for being quite firm and chewy. The main ingredients are wheat flour, honey, and candied fruit like orange and lemon peel. It also contains nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds.
Once the dough is mixed and rolled flat, it's baked until golden. Right after baking, a shiny sugar glaze is brushed over the top. While the cookie is still warm, it's cut into its famous rectangular shapes.
The Sweet History of Basler Läckerli
Spices from faraway lands first arrived in Europe around the 11th century. Rich monasteries were among the first to use these spices. They added them to honey cakes, making them extra special. Over time, this delicious custom spread to towns and cities.
By the 15th century, making gingerbread became a popular craft in Switzerland. In the 17th century, the first recipes for different gingerbread and sweet treats appeared in cookbooks. The word "Läckerli" or "Läckerle" was used for these sweets in southern Germany and German-speaking Switzerland.
The very first mention of "Leckherle" was in Augsburg in 1591. The first Swiss Läckerli recipe appeared in 1621. It was found in a handbook by Abraham Schneuwly, a doctor in Bern. Other early recipes for Läckerli were found in different Swiss cities throughout the 17th century.
In Basel, the home of Basler Läckerli, the name "Läckerlin" first appeared in 1711. Before that, similar recipes in Basel were simply called "gingerbread." There's a popular story that Basler Läckerli was made for the Council Of Basel in 1431. However, this is probably not true. Records show that the ingredients needed for Läckerli weren't easily available in Basel back then.
Who Makes Basler Läckerli Today?
Many different companies in Switzerland make Läckerli today. Some are made in large factories, like by Jowa AG for Migros stores. Others are still made by hand in small bakeries, especially in Basel. Each maker often has their own secret recipe, so the taste can vary a little!
Two well-known makers of Basler Läckerli are:
- Läckerli Huus: This company is a market leader. It started in Basel in 1904. They make a wide range of Läckerli and chocolate products. You can find their stores all over Switzerland.
- Jakob's Basler Leckerly: This company claims to be the oldest maker, founded in 1753 in Basel. Their Läckerli are handmade. They are also about twice as thick as those from other companies.
See also
In Spanish: Basler Läckerli para niños
