Frau Schmidt's "hutzel Brod" Recipe
History of Hutzel Brod
Hutzel Brod is a traditional German fruit bread that is widely enjoyed during the holiday season. The name "Hutzel" refers to the main ingredient, which is dried pears. This bread has been a part of German culinary traditions for centuries and is cherished for its unique and delightful flavors.
In Germany, Hutzel Brod is commonly associated with Frau Schmidt, a renowned baker famous for her delicious variations of traditional bread recipes. Frau Schmidt's Hutzel Brod recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be a favorite among families during festive gatherings.
Fun Facts about Hutzel Brod
- The tradition of using dried pears in bread-making dates back to medieval times when fresh fruits were scarce during winter. Drying fruits allowed people to preserve their harvest and enjoy the flavors throughout the year.
- Hutzel Brod is often served as a breakfast treat or as a dessert during Christmas and New Year celebrations. It pairs well with butter, honey, or even a spread of cream cheese.
- The addition of fennel seed gives Hutzel Brod a distinctive flavor and aroma. Fennel seeds have been used in German cuisine for ages and are known for their digestive properties.
- The use of Fleischman's yeast cake, a brand that has been around since the 19th century, adds a reliable leavening agent to the bread dough, ensuring a fluffy and light texture.
Recipe for Frau Schmidt's Hutzel Brod
Ingredients:
- 1 quart dried pears
- 1 pint of pear juice
- 1 Fleischman's yeast cake
- 1 scant cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoonful soda
- 1 pound of soaked raisins
- 3/4 cup of a mixture of lard and butter
- 1 teaspoonful of fennel seed
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoonfuls of ground cinnamon
- Flour to stiffen, as for ordinary bread
Instructions:
1. Start by covering one quart of dried pears with cold water in a pot. Cook them slowly for about 20 minutes until they become tender but not soft. This step should be done the night before you plan to bake the bread.
2. Drain the juice from the stewed pears, which should measure about 1 pint. When lukewarm, add 1 yeast cake dissolved in a small quantity of lukewarm water. Also, add about 3 cups of flour and a pinch of salt. Stir well and cover it tightly. Let it rest in a warm place overnight to allow the dough to rise.
3. The following morning, dissolve 1/4 teaspoonful of baking soda in a little warm water. This will help counteract any acidity in the batter.
4. Cream together the sugar, butter, and lard in a mixing bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, and continue to mix well.
5. Add the well-floured, diced pears and soaked raisins to the mixture. Also, add the fennel seed and ground cinnamon. Gradually add enough flour to stiffen the dough, similar to ordinary bread.
6. Knead the dough well and let it rise. Keep in mind that the fruit content in the dough may slow down the rising process, so be patient.
7. Once the dough has risen and is light, turn it onto a floured surface. Cut it into four equal portions and mold each portion into a shapely loaf.
8. Place the loaves in baking pans and brush them with melted butter. Let them rise until they become quite light.
9. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and bake the loaves for approximately one hour. Use a cake tester or toothpick to check if they are fully cooked. The bread should be golden brown and emit a delightful aroma when ready.
10. Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, store the Hutzel Brod in a tin cake box to keep it fresh for several weeks.
Similar Recipes
If you enjoyed Frau Schmidt's Hutzel Brod, you may also like these other fruit bread recipes:
- Stollen: A traditional German Christmas bread made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. It is often dusted with powdered sugar and served during the holiday season.
- Panettone: An Italian sweet bread typically enjoyed during Christmas time. It is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and occasionally chocolate chips.
- Fruitcake: A dense cake loaded with dried fruits and often soaked in alcohol to enhance the flavors. Fruitcakes are popular in many cultures and are often enjoyed during the Christmas season.
These similar recipes offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures, making them perfect for special occasions or to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee throughout the year.
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