"pennsylvania Dutch" Kisses Recipe

Pennsylvania Dutch Kisses Recipe

History:

Pennsylvania Dutch Kisses are a traditional treat that originated in the Pennsylvania Dutch region. The Pennsylvania Dutch, also known as Pennsylvania Germans, were German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their culture and culinary traditions have left a lasting impact on the region.

Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, and desserts are no exception. The Pennsylvania Dutch Kisses, also referred to as "Schmankerln" in the local dialect, are light and delicate meringue cookies. These sweet treats were typically made with simple ingredients that were readily available in the rural farming communities.

Fun Facts:

1. The term "Pennsylvania Dutch" is actually a misnomer. The word "Dutch" is a corruption of the word "Deutsch," which means "German" in German. The Pennsylvania Dutch are of German ancestry, not Dutch.

2. The Pennsylvania Dutch Kisses are often associated with holiday baking. These cookies are a favorite during Christmas and Easter, and they are commonly served at gatherings and family celebrations.

3. The use of nut meats, particularly hickory nut meats, in the recipe is a reflection of the Pennsylvania Dutch's resourcefulness. Nuts were abundant in the region, making them a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pulverized sugar
- Whites of 3 eggs
- 1 heaping cup of nut meats (preferably hickory nut meats)
- A pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.

2. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until very stiff peaks form. This process may take a few minutes, so it is important to use a clean bowl and beaters to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Gradually add the pulverized sugar and a pinch of salt to the beaten egg whites. Continue beating until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes glossy.

4. Fold in the nut meats gently. The nut meats should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Grease and flour a baking tin to prevent the cookies from sticking. Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking tin, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.

6. Place the baking tin in the preheated oven and bake until the cookies turn golden brown. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but keep a close eye on them as baking times may vary.

7. Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will become crisp as they cool.

8. Once cooled, store the Pennsylvania Dutch Kisses in an airtight container to maintain their texture and freshness.

Similar Recipes:

If you enjoy Pennsylvania Dutch Kisses, you might also like other traditional recipes from the region:

1. Shoofly Pie: A classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert, Shoofly Pie is a molasses-based pie with a crumb topping. It is sweet, gooey, and typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

2. Funny Cake: This unique cake features a layer of chocolate batter on the bottom and a custard-like layer on top. It is often served for breakfast or as a dessert.

3. Apple Dumplings: Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings are made by wrapping apple slices in a pastry dough and baking them until golden brown. They are typically served with a sweet syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These recipes showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch and provide a delicious glimpse into the traditions and flavors of the region.