"mondel Krantz" Or Almond Cake (as Made By Frau Schmidt) Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

The recipe for Mondel Krantz, also known as Almond Cake, has a rich history and is a beloved traditional German dish. It was commonly made by Frau Schmidt's mother and was a regular part of their Christmas morning breakfast table in Germany. The tradition of serving this almond wreath cake on Christmas morning has been passed down through generations. The recipe was generously shared with Mary by the Professor's wife, and it holds sentimental value for them.

A fun fact about this recipe is that it incorporates a unique combination of ingredients, such as sweet milk, yeast, butter, sugar, orange, chopped almonds, and rock candy. The addition of these ingredients adds a distinct flavor and texture to the cake, making it a delightful treat for the taste buds. The use of yeast in the recipe allows the dough to rise and become light and fluffy.

Recipe for Mondel Krantz:

Ingredients:
- 1 pint sweet milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 yeast cake or 1 cup yeast
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons rock candy
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- Flour (quantity as needed)

Instructions:

1. Start by scalding the sweet milk and let it cool down to lukewarm temperature.
2. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast cake or yeast in the lukewarm milk.
3. Gradually add flour to the yeast and milk mixture until you achieve a thick batter consistency. Cover the bowl and set it to rise near the range for several hours until it becomes light.
4. Once the batter has risen, add sugar, butter, and beaten eggs (beaten to a cream) into the bowl. Also, add the grated rind and juice of one orange, along with the finely chopped almonds.
5. Mix all the ingredients together and gradually add flour until a soft dough is formed. The dough should be stiff enough to be stirred with a spoon.
6. Set the dough aside to rise again, and when it becomes light, divide it into two portions.
7. Take half of the dough and roll it into three long strips on a floured surface.
8. Braid the three strips together to form a wreath shape.
9. Grease a large, round or oval pan, and place a large coffee cup or bowl inverted in the center to prevent the dough from running together.
10. Carefully place the wreath around the bowl, making sure it maintains its shape.
11. Brush the top of the wreath with a mixture of a little milk and a teaspoon of sugar.
12. Decorate the top of the wreath with blanched, well-dried almonds, and sprinkle crushed rock candy or coarse sugar generously.
13. Allow the dough to rise until it becomes light again.
14. Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature and bake the wreath until it turns golden brown.
15. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool before serving.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

There are several other delicious cake recipes that share similarities with Mondel Krantz or Almond Cake. Some of these recipes include:

1. Stollen - A German fruit and nut-filled bread that is typically enjoyed during Christmas time. It also incorporates yeast and is often dusted with powdered sugar.

2. Bienenstich - A German cake made with yeast dough, baked with a caramelized almond topping, and filled with a sweet vanilla custard or buttercream.

3. Swedish Almond Cake - A traditional Swedish cake made with almond paste, eggs, butter, and flour. It has a similar rich, almond flavor to Mondel Krantz.

4. Italian Panettone - An Italian sweet bread often enjoyed during the holiday season. It contains raisins, candied fruit, and almonds.

These recipes from different cultures all contain unique combinations of ingredients and have their own traditions and stories behind them. They showcase the diverse and rich world of baking and continue to be loved and enjoyed by people around the globe.