Stutenkerl
A traditional German pastry associated with St. Nicholas Day
Stutenkerl[edit | edit source]
The Stutenkerl, also known as Weckmann or Klaaskerl, is a traditional German pastry that is particularly popular during the Advent season. It is typically made from a sweet leavened dough and shaped into the form of a man. This pastry is closely associated with the celebration of St. Nicholas Day, which occurs on December 6th.
History[edit | edit source]
The tradition of the Stutenkerl dates back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in the Rhineland and spread to other parts of Germany and neighboring countries. The figure is often depicted holding a clay pipe, which is a characteristic feature of the Stutenkerl. This pipe is thought to symbolize the bishop's crozier, as St. Nicholas was a bishop in the early Christian church.
Preparation[edit | edit source]
The dough for a Stutenkerl is similar to that used for brioche or sweet bread. It typically includes ingredients such as flour, milk, butter, sugar, and yeast. The dough is enriched with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes raisins or currants are added for extra flavor.
Once the dough is prepared, it is shaped into a human figure, often with arms and legs. The eyes and buttons are usually made from raisins or chocolate chips. After shaping, the Stutenkerl is brushed with an egg wash to give it a shiny, golden-brown crust when baked.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
The Stutenkerl is more than just a pastry; it is a symbol of the festive season in many German-speaking regions. It is traditionally given to children on St. Nicholas Day, often as part of a larger celebration that includes other treats and small gifts. In some areas, the Stutenkerl is also associated with Martinmas, which is celebrated on November 11th.
Variations[edit | edit source]
While the basic form of the Stutenkerl remains consistent, there are regional variations in its preparation and decoration. In some areas, the figure is decorated with sugar icing or colored sprinkles. In others, the dough may be flavored with anise or cardamom.
In Switzerland, a similar pastry known as "Grittibänz" is popular, and in the Netherlands, a "Klaaskerl" is made in honor of Sinterklaas.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
