23 Dec 05, Kathy C. writes:
"In the 1970, my parents hosted a German exchange student from Ansbach. After returning to Germany, he sent mom some painted Springerle cookies that she proudly hung on our Christmas tree. ...but something strange was happening, the Springerle cookies were disappearing one by one until they were all gone! It was only after Christmas, when moving furniture and packing the decorations, that mom discovered - under the couch - the ribbons from which the cookies had hung on the tree. It had been our dog who was enjoying those delicious Christmas snacks!"
Ah, the Cookie Christmases of Childhood
A Christmas tradition: our springerle cakes...
What a nice impression this quaint cookie makes!
Dainty and white, embossed "picture pillows,"
An anise-hartshorn aroma billows...
As our sweet German recipe slowly bakes.
Grandma's recipe may still be the best...
With oil of anise - or with orange zest!
Springerle doughs are quite simple mixtures,
Their crowning glory is in their PICTURES!
Shaping springerle cookies - as we should,
We "imprint" the dough with a mold of wood.
Their beautiful designs are truly a delight
Baked in the oven - after drying overnight.
Ah, the "Cookie Christmases" of childhood.
- a rhyme by Gene Wilson, 2007