A Traditional Treat

Peppernuts have become a tasty treat that my family requests each year. Though not the healthiest, the spices are certainly beneficial - I have tried tweeking the recipe using whole wheat flour & honey, but alas the end result is just not quite the same.

Besides enjoying these nuggets ourselves, they make excellent gifts! I like to mix up a batch for my Dad who enjoys them. My nephew requested a batch for his gift ... and this year I've used them to fill centerpieces on my festive tables. Brayden has added his creative touch...



There are literally books filled with various recipes & versions. Here's the recipe we use for this traditional German/Scandinavian/Danish treat:


Peppernuts

2 cups white sugar
2 cups Roger's syrup
1 lb. butter
1 tsp. ground anise
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Boil this mixture for two full minnutes. Then cool slightly and add:
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. baking powder
9 cups unbleached flour

Roll into finger thick "logs". Place on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper and freeze the logs. Once frozen, use a sharp knife to slice logs into "coins". Place on pans (yup, this takes a while) and bake @ 350 degrees for 7 minutes until lightly browned on the bottoms. As the peppernuts cool they will harden. Store in a large glass jar ... and watch them disappear!

With the cooling and the freezing involved in this recipe it can take "all day" or sometimes I even leave logs in the freezer to slice and bake at a later time ... breaking up the seemingly "tedious" task.

It is a Christmas activity that everyone can enjoy together ... of course, as they help they "nibble", but that's part of the fun!

Yup, I'm needing new oven mitts ... maybe they're all wrapped up?? Smile!