Grandmother'S Mandel Brot
A delightful Jewish treat featuring a sweet, nutty, and slightly crispy bread-like cookie with optional chocolate or raisins, perfect for holidays or tea time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla with a mixer until well combined.
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and finely chopped nuts in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Store the dough in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Knead the chilled dough by hand, adding a bit of flour if necessary.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and shape each into a strip.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the finely chopped nuts before adding them to the dough. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half of it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. To add a unique twist, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Ensure the dough is well-chilled to make shaping easier.
Serving Suggestions
Mandel Brot is delightful on its own, but pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside a light dessert like Curried Salad Dressing for a refreshing contrast. You can also enjoy it with a side of fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the Mandel Brot in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the pieces separated by parchment paper. To reheat, simply pop the slices in the toaster or oven at a low temperature until warmed through for a delightful crunchy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Mandel Brot contains roughly 1570 calories, with 18g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (47% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2554mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the finely chopped nuts with your favorites like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Each type will give the Mandel Brot a unique flavor and texture. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped finely for even distribution in the dough.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Chilling the dough longer can also help firm it up. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can alter the final texture of the Mandel Brot.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this Mandel Brot gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help achieve the right texture. Adjust baking time as necessary, checking for doneness around the same interval.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).