An important part of the Christmas season in Alsace is baking gobs and gobs of tasty little cookies called "Bredeles." Much like American Christmas cookies, bredeles come in every shape and flavor, and the best recipes are passed down through the generations. I was fortunate enough to have an expert bredele baker show me the tricks of the trade! Madame Rieth, a kind and welcoming woman from church, invited me to spend an afternoon in her kitchen. Over six hours, I experienced much more than learning to make sugary treats: I feasted on a delicious turkey mid-day meal with her children and grandchildren, chuckled at the sarcastic banter between her and Monsieur Rieth (sometimes in French with a thick Alsatian accent and sometimes in Alsatian), and listened attentively to her endless stories of growing up in Alsace during the war. Below is a picture of Mme. Rieth working in her kitchen. (She doesn't like her picture to be taken!)
When I arrived in Strasbourg, Mme. Rieth was immediately very warm and encouraging. Everytime I see her at church or Bible study, she commands me to open my purse and then fills it will walnuts or homemade jams. She always tells me, "We can't have you die of hunger while you are here!" Being far from home, Mme. Rieth's kind gestures always make me feel loved. Even though the bredeles were delicious, the best part of our baking spree was simply getting to know her better!
1 comment:
Yo ! I hope you will bake them yourself and alone next year ! (and of course, eat them yourself but not alone)
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