Lebkuchen (German Honey Cakes)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp. grated lemon peel
• 1 tsp. grated orange peel
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• 3 1/4 cups sifted flour
• 3/4 tsp. soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. allspice
• 1 tsp. cloves
• 3/4 tsp. mace
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruits
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Directions

In a saucepan, combine honey, molasses, and sugar; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add butter, then cool.

Beat in lemon juice, egg, lemon peel, and orange peel.

Sift together soda, flour, salt and spices. Add to honey-molasses mixture, mixing well. Stir in candied fruits and almonds. Chill dough overnight.

Roll out on floured board to 1/4 inch thickness, using 1/4 of the dough at one time. Cut into 1 1/2x2 1/2 inch rectangles.

Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees F (preheated) for 10 minutes or until brown.

Make glaze by thoroughly blending powdered sugar, water, and almond extract. Brush glaze over cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. Then remove from baking sheet immediately.

When cool, store in a tight container for a few days to mellow. Slice of apple or orange can be put in container for moisture. Yield: about 5 dozen.

By Robin from Washington, IA