Mandel bread is a traditional Old World bread with a tough exterior that can be made into a loaf or small biscuits. It can be enhanced with ingredients such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, and chopped walnuts. It is often served as a dessert or with coffee or tea. Variations include using whole wheat flour or potato starch for Jewish holidays.
Known throughout Germany as Mandelbrot, Mandel bread is a traditional Old World bread distinguished by a tough exterior that is paired with a wide range of ingredients to create a delicacy. Popular in several cultures, mandel bread is similar to hard Italian biscuits and can be served in many of the same settings. The basic recipe for mandel bread can be made into a loaf that is cut into sections or prepared as small biscuits.
The list of ingredients that can be used to enhance the flavor of mandel bread includes sweets such as chocolate chips and dried fruit. Chopped walnuts are also a popular addition to mandel bread, along with distilled extracts such as vanilla rum, lemon, or butter. Similar to biscuits, mandel bread can be made with flavorings added inside the dough, or as a topping or garnish on the outside of the finished product.
Mandel bread is an excellent choice when you want a simple yet elegant dessert for an evening meal. Thin slices of mandel bread are often served as part of afternoon coffee or tea. Because mandel bread requires no additional dips or sauces to enjoy, the section of bread can be dipped in coffee or simply enjoyed as a side dish. The firm texture of mandel bread allows the treat to absorb liquid and still retain a crunchy quality, which many people find desirable.
While mandel bread is usually made with bleached flour, there are several variations that are considered acceptable. Whole wheat flour can provide an extra layer of flavor to the bread, while people who wish to avoid wheat altogether may consider using rice flour. When making mandel bread for Jewish holidays, you can replace the flour with potato starch and matzo cake and still produce a tasty bread with the correct texture.
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