Magenbrot facts for kids
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| Type | Pastry |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Northern Switzerland, southern Germany |
| Main ingredients | Cloves, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, cocoa, honey or sugar |
Magenbrot is a small, sweet glazed biscuit. It is a bit like a gingerbread cookie. The name "Magenbrot" means "stomach-bread" in German. People used to believe it helped with digestion. This special treat started in Germany. You can often find it sold at Christmas markets across Europe. It has other names too, like Honigkuchen, Gewürzkuchen, or Kräuterbrot.
What is Magenbrot?
Magenbrot has a unique look. In Germany, it is often shaped like a diamond. In Switzerland, it looks more like a slice of bread. It usually has a dark brown outside.
How Magenbrot is Made
This tasty pastry is made with several ingredients. These include flour, wheat, and baking soda. It gets its special flavor from spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. For sweetness, honey and sugar are added. Sometimes, candied orange, lemon peel, and hazelnut are mixed in for extra flavor. Some types of Magenbrot are covered with a sweet cocoa glaze.
Making Magenbrot usually takes about two days. First, the dough is prepared. Then, it is left to rest overnight. This helps it settle properly. The next day, the dough is divided into small pieces. Finally, these pieces are baked in an oven until they are ready.
Magenbrot was once known by another name: Alpenkräuter-Brot. This means "Alpine herbs bread."
