Hurray for Christmas Gingerbread Houses Large or Small

Nothing heralds the arrival of Christmas like the appearance of gingerbread houses.

And although there are two forms of gingerbread (a soft form called Lebkuchen and a harder form), it is the stiffer dough that is associated with constructing gingerbread houses).

This firmer German style gingerbread has long been linked the sweet-covered witch’s house in the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. The Brothers Grimm were the first to write down the story of the brave witch-battling brother and sister in 1812.

But the story did not begin there. Folk historians believe the events that prompted the fairy tale sprang from the tragic days of the Great European Famine of 1315–1321 when massive famine caused desperate parents to abandon their young children in the hope the children could find food elsewhere.  Sadly most died wandering lost in barren drought-striken landscapes.

This tragic tale is so closely associated with gingerbread that the story’s evil child-eating witch is named “Frau Pfefferkuchenhau”.  Her name actually means "gingerbread house" in German.

Later these houses, covered with a stunning array of colorful candies and decorative icings were built in surely happier times to reassure both parents and children that such dark days would never return again.

Today children around the world delight in making and visiting gingerbread house collections. In the United States one of the most elegant is at the White House. Indeed it is a model of the White House itself, complete with a healthy kitchen garden and a model of the Obamas’ beloved pet dog, Bo. 

In London it is the grand Dorchester Hotel that elicits cries of delight. And why not - their gingerbread 'house' captures the essence of their grand structure. Afternoon tea anyone? Say yes - say yes!

But it is in Bergen, Norway that you will find an entire city made of gingerbread houses. Each year the city sponsors Pepperkakebyen, the Norwegian name meaning "Gingerbread City".

It is the world's largest such assemble of gingerbread houses with each child in the town (under the age of 12 please) entitled to make their own house for what must be one of the world’s sweetest Christmas cities’.

So take heart - it’s not too late to found your very own town. After all, Santa Claus has had his very own town for centuries! What would you name your's? 

Post Note, November 30, 2012: If you're wondering what the rest of the White House decorations look like, take a fun walk-though with Bo, the First Family's beloved pet dog.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

Raise a Toast to the True History of Thanksgiving

Holidays are interesting events. Often their original meaning and even purpose is lost over time. This is especially true of Thanksgiving, an American holiday celebrated on the next to last Thursday in November.

It’s true that since colonial times various states and cities had held harvest celebrations but there was no national holiday called Thanksgiving on the calendar.

Sarah Josepha Hale was the first figure to seriously urge that a national day of giving thanks be established. Beginning in 1827 and continuing for the next 36 years (!) she used her position as editor of the influential Godey’s Lady’s Book magazine to press governors, senators, and presidents alike to create such a day of gratitude and reflection.

As a member of Boston literary elite (and a working mother) she also spoke against racial inequality – an issue it seems America is still struggling with as evidenced in our last national elections.

At the same time there was another younger person working in a distance frontier tavern, serving shots of applejack brandy to all who’d listen to his folky but pointed stories.

And he too was questioning the injustice of inequality.

In 1863 that same man would make Hale’s dream of a national Thanksgiving holiday a reality.  

He did so to remind the nation during the darkest days of the Civil War that there are some truths and values so universal that they are worth fighting for no matter the cost or the time it takes… thoughts captured so well by the Union Colonel Joshua Chamberlain as he spoke to his men on the eve of the critical battle of Gettysburg.

Yes, the person who created Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the U.S. was Lincoln. His courage and strength saved a nation. His fight to do so was not easy as shown in Steven Spielberg’s new movie, Lincoln.  He never gave up. There is a lesson there.

Perhaps when we celebrate Thanksgiving this year we should do more than remember Pilgrims in funny hats. In addition to giving thanks for the turkey and dressing, perhaps we should also give thanks for the many brave men AND women who have throughout history fought so bravely with words and deeds for the human rights that should belong to all people.  

That feast should belong to us all everywhere.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012