Classic German Baking, Spekulatius (Speculoos) Cookies
Holiday baking is in full swing right now. It’s amazing how many wonderful and talented people are out there blogging and sharing their holiday specialties. I love how during this season our house smells of evergreen, cinnamon, orange and spice. One of my earliest recollections of these flavors are when my mom had us stringing popcorn for our tree. Our little fingers would be working feverishly as we were always rewarded with a plate of fresh baked cookies.
I think we are all familiar with Luisa Weiss of the Wednesday Chef blog. Her latest cookbook; “Classic German Baking”, has been released and is full of traditional German and Central European recipes. The book is broken up into sections: cookies, cakes, yeasted cakes, tortes and strudels, savories, breads and rolls, Christmas favorites, and basics. Each recipe is formally introduced with a personal story or some type of historical information and the ingredients are listed in both American units and metric.
My only wish was that this cookbook had more photos to go along with the recipes. After checking her website I noticed that Luisa has already taken care of that. She has included a link on her blog for those that has purchased her book and would like to see more photos. The photos are posted in the same order as the cookbook and will be updated until all recipes have at least one photo.
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| Spekulatius, Speculoos an almond spice cookie |
Since it is so close to the holidays I chose a recipe from the “Christmas Favorites” section. Spekulatius, (Speculoos); is an almond spice cookie that happens to be one of my favorites. They are thin and crispy and packed with spices that are associated with the holidays. Traditionally these cookies are stamped or molded into shape which depict pictures of men, women or windmills. Apparently there are different versions in different countries. In Germany they are “nuttier, crisper and lighter”. These delicious cookies were a little more complicated to prepare than what I first anticipated; but definitely worth it. The spices along with the orange and lemon peel are perfectly harmonized and delicious with a cup of tea or coffee.
I would recommend this cookbook to anyone that enjoys classic traditional recipes that celebrate German and European baking.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
I would recommend this cookbook to anyone that enjoys classic traditional recipes that celebrate German and European baking.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
Indeed Holiday is all about baking. And these German Spekulatius cookies look so pretty and delicious, Cheri.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anu, it sure does seem like we do a lot of baking this time of year. Take care!
Deleteo wir lieben Spekulatius! That sounds like a great cookbook.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie, it is a great cookbook, I have many recipes tagged for the upcoming weeks. Can't wait!
DeleteThese cookies look wonderful, Cheri! I love traditional holiday treats!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan, I love traditional treats as well. Happy Holidays!!
DeleteLove Speculoos cookies and I love all the different variations. These look wonderful and I'm surprised you didn't have all the neighbors lined up with the wonderful aroma that must have wafted from your kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris, yes I have to say with all the spices and orange and lemon peel the house did smell divine. Happy Holidays!
DeleteWhat a perfect holiday cookie! German bakeries are so classic. This sounds like a fun book!
ReplyDeleteThanks Abbe, wish there was a German bakery in our neighborhood.
DeleteI have Luisa's book and I just love love it. I just posted Basler Brunsli, one of the recipes in the book. I hope I have time to make Specoolus cookies. I used to have German wooden Specoolus cookie cutters but cannot find them. Happy Holidays Chris to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gerlinde, hope you can find them, sometimes I put things in a special place, and they are never to be found again. Happy Holidays!
DeleteI wonder why she didn't wait to publish after all the photographs were taken?
ReplyDeleteNot sure Tandy, I think she focused on the instructions, they seem very detailed.
DeleteIt's been cookies galore here too and these ones look fantastic, Cheri! Love the flavors! Sounds like a great book too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly it is, I'm not a great baker but I am trying to become one, much harder than it looks;)
DeleteCheri, you've become so prolific I can hardly keep up in this holiday season! Plus, the gorgeous baked goods. The cookbook looks lovely and I do like the Wednesday Chef. The Spekulatius, Speculoos sound fabulous. On the photos, perhaps this leaves some room for yet another German Baking Cookbook by my favorite Kitchen Lioness, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy, Andrea should definitely write a book she is so talented. Her presentation is always spot-on.
DeleteWow - you and Gerlinde are on the same page! Love these cookies - and I know I would love this cookbook. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI know kind of crazy right, anyway happy Holidays to you and your family!
DeleteThey were super popular in Holland also..my friend when I was 10 was Gwen Brejaart..that's where I tasted my first speculaas..these look tempting!
ReplyDeleteTraditional goodies are the best, love all the history and stories. Take care Monique, Happy Holidays!
DeleteI am all about the holiday cookies these days, and this looks like a great one to trry!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara, me too, so many great recipes out there.
DeleteThese cookies sure look great...spice and all...perfect for the Holiday...and the book sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your week Cheri :)
Thanks Juliana, in this cookbook the instructions are detailed and precise, a real keeper.
DeleteHow neat that these are traditionally stamped. They sound really tasty!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris, Happy Holidays!
DeleteNothing says December more than homemade cookies. Well, a few things, but these look so good :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks Amalia, I know what you mean, but cookies always seem to help;)
DeleteThe holiday season is made all the more special when we start baking cookies…these sound wonderfully fragrant and delicious.
ReplyDeleteI agree Karen, homemade cookies are the best.
DeleteI love Christmas season too and baking and all smell amazing !!
ReplyDeleteLove these cookies <3 <3
Thanks Gloria, Happy Holidays!
DeleteReally great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shon, appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteI love speculoos especially at this time of year! I have beautiful speculoos molds sent to me by a friend in Germany - never though of simply making them round!
ReplyDeleteHow special David, the molds must have a special meaning for you. These little cookies might look simple but I quickly realized there is much more to them. Luisa's book is very detailed and a great read.
DeleteSpeculoos are wonderful! As wonderful is your recounting of stringing popcorn to trim the Christmas tree <3 I could use a Cheri's cookbook with lovely personal stories. Ms Weiss' cookbook does sound great but it is nice to have photos alongside the recipe...Or maybe it's just smart to have the full edition on line..Anyway, happy season of baking!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, her recipes are pretty detailed so maybe that is the reason. Yes, have been baking like crazy, having a lot of fun. Happy Holidays!
DeleteThese are a cookie I have on my to try list. I'm hoping the twins give me some time to bake them this year. Pinning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy, you must be pretty busy, this Christmas should be wonderful with your babies.
DeleteAbsolutely LOVE this post Cheri. My parents are German, and these cookies were always on our cookie platters over the holidays, yet I have never made them myself, now I totally have the recipe and cannot wait to make them, thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Phi, I didn't know that. They must be over the moon with your good news. Happy Holidays!!
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