Desserts That Create an Even More Special Atmosphere♬
How is everyone planning to spend Christmas? The day that excites people of all ages, Christmas is approaching. Every year, we wonder, "How can this year be more special?" Unable to find a solution to this dilemma, looking around, we can only envy those who have already perfectly planned their celebrations... Some visit Christmas markets held in Europe, others travel to Southeast Asia to enjoy a warm Christmas, or have a cozy Christmas party at home with family, friends, or loved ones.
If you’re still unsure about what to do and feeling lost, open your eyes wide and focus. The editor is introducing a secret weapon that will make this Christmas even more special. It is called Stollen, a type of dessert eaten in Germany while waiting for Christmas.
What is Stollen?
After removing the plastic wrap carefully stacked to prevent moisture loss, the Stollen appeared, dusted with sugar powder scattering everywhere. (Be careful, as the sugar powder might provoke a mother’s backhand smacking!) I tried to cut it in half with a plastic knife, but it wouldn’t cut, so I used a kitchen knife. It means it’s very hard, like a baguette.
Stollen is bread made with various fruits and nuts soaked in rum. It is topped with sugar powder to add sweetness. In Germany, there is a tradition of eating a slice of Stollen every Sunday from early December while waiting for Christmas. Especially since it is a matured bread, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months, which is an advantage.
So, how does it taste?
First, the way to eat it! If you think, “Can’t I just cut and eat it?” please pause for a moment. As mentioned earlier, Stollen is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for storage. The reason is to maintain its moisture. Therefore, you should slice it as thinly as possible from the center to taste it.
A friend who tasted Stollen in Germany once said, “It tastes too much like raisins.” The editor is also someone who dislikes raisins. Fortunately, this Stollen did not have a strong raisin flavor. Thanks to other fruits, nuts, and the sweet sugar powder piled up like snow, it could be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Also, when I told a German friend that I was going to eat Stollen, they insisted, “You have to eat Stollen with a warm Americano!” Maybe because of that, the moment I took a bite of Stollen, even as an Eoljuka (ice-cold coffee lover), a warm Americano naturally came to mind. However, after eating one or two pieces, I was intoxicated by the sweetness and needed something to refresh my palate. It had to be a hot Americano rather than an iced one to melt all the sugar powder left in my mouth.
Would you buy Stollen again?
I bought Stollen at a local bakery for 35,000 won. It felt somewhat expensive, but the price is similar to that of franchise cakes or custom lettering cakes. Since it can brighten up the once-a-year Christmas even more, I decided not to worry about the cost. Slicing it thinly and gifting it as a tasting sample to friends nearby is also a good idea. Give those around you, who usually only eat cake, a unique experience. Not this year, but I plan to buy it again the year after next★
How should Stollen be stored?
Storing leftover Stollen is simple. Reassemble it into its original shape, wrap it with plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. The reason for wrapping it in plastic wrap is to keep it moist and flavorful when eaten again. Eating a slice every Sunday in December, Christmas suddenly came right around the corner-♥
★Merry Christmas!★
Photo by Yoon Eun-ae
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