Bethmännchen

Marzipan, rose water and almonds - these are the key ingredients for traditional Frankfurt Bethmännchen. Sounds marvellous, doesn't it? For those who don't know them, Bethmännchen are the jazzed up Marzipankartoffeln / marzipan potatoes (Christmas without marzipan is like Lübeck without the Holsten Gate - simply unimaginable for many German) from Frankfurt am Main. In fact, the name Bethmännchen is derived from the Frankfurt Bethmann family and they are a must during the Christmas season. Another typical feature of the Frankfurt marzipan speciality is that exactly three almond halves are pressed into the balls before baking. They give the Bethmännchen their typical appearance and additional crunch. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

200 g Marzipan, cut into small pieces
100 g Ground blanched almonds
1 Egg
60 g Blanched almond halves
2 tbsp White spelt flour
1/2-1 tsp Rose water
2 tbsp Milk

Cut the marzipan into small pieces and place in a bowl with the ground almonds.
Separate the egg, add the egg white to the marzipan and almonds, put the egg yolk to one side for the glaze. Add the icing sugar, flour and rose water to the marzipan mixture. Use a hand mixer to mix everything together. Then cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour.
At the end of the chilling time, preheat the oven to 170C/340F. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
Take the dough out of the fridge and with moistened hands, shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls. Place the balls on the prepared tray, place 3 almond halves on each and press down lightly.
Mix the reserved egg yolk with the milk and brush the Bethmännchen with it. Bake in the middle of hot oven for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden brown. If you prefer your Bethmännchen a little darker, leave them in the oven for 3-5 minutes longer.

6 comments:

eileeninmd 12/12/24 12:24: Looks like a yummy treat! Take care, have a great day.
Ivy's Closet 12/12/24 12:59: Such a beautiful presentation! Mine would look like something from a cave woman. Awesome recipe.
DEZMOND 12/12/24 13:15: That is so cute and such a cute plate as well
Tom 12/12/24 13:35: ...a sweet little Christmas treat!
Lola Martínez 12/12/24 14:42: Que rico con todos esos ingredientes maravillosos!
Granny Sue 12/12/24 14:53: I had never heard of this, but sounds so tasty. The Holsten Gate? Need to look that up! Might have a connection to my husband's Holstein name!