Catholic Recipe: Pepernoten or Pfeffernüsse III (Peppernuts)
INGREDIENTS
- 1-1/2 cups honey
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 egg
- 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom seed
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground anise seed
- 2 unbeaten egg whites
- 1 tablespoon strained honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom seed
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed
Details
Yield: 6-7 dozen

Frosting:
Prep Time: 1 1/2 hours
Difficulty: ★★☆☆
Cost: ★★☆☆
For Ages: 15+
Origin: The Netherlands, Germany
Food Categories (3)
Similar Recipes (1)
Feasts (1)
Also Called: Pfeffernuesse
DIRECTIONS
Cookies: Heat honey (do not boil) in saucepan large enough to mix entire dough. Add shortening. Cool. Beat in egg. Sift remaining ingredients together, gradually stirring into honey mixture. Reserve 35 minutes to stiffen. Shape into 1-inch balls. Bake on lightly greased baking sheets 13-15 minutes at 350°.
Frosting: Combine egg whites, honey, spices in 1-quart mixing bowl. Add confectioners' sugar, gradually.
Place 12 to 14 Pfeffernuesse at a time in a smaller bowl with 2 tablespoons of icing. Stir Pfeffernuesse to coat all sides. Repeat. Place to cool on wire rack. Store in tightly closed container.
Yield, 6-7 dozen
Recipe Source: Catholic Cookbook, The by William I. Kaufman, The Citadel Press, New York, 1965
Today’s first reading and Gospel draw a parallel between Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers and Jesus, the well-beloved Son of the Father, put to death by the religious leaders of the Jews. Together with the prediction of the passion there is here the condemnation of the wicked servants of God whose proud…
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