AMD 4 - Kalli Barrone

        For this AMD, I decided to do some research on a German treat that my Mom often makes - Pfeffernüsse. The name directly translates to "pepper nuts" but that doesn't really make sense, but I've found some recipes that actually call for nuts and black pepper isn't actually in the recipe but other spices are. According to the German Wiki page on Pfeffernusse, the name probably goes back to the Middle Ages when exotic spices were all referred to as 'pepper'. I'd describe Pfeffernüsse as more of gingerbread-esque, spicy and a little bit sweet cookies. These cookies are a traditional German dessert for Christmastime. However, my Mom makes them whenever she feels like it. When I got home for spring break they were in the cookie jar, which of course prompted me to write this. After doing further research, I'm realizing that the kind of Pfeffernusse my family makes is a little different than what is customary in Germany. Most of the German recipes call for a white frosting made of almond, but the ones we make have no frosting and are just sprinkled with sugar instead (like a molasses cookie). Also, I think it's worth noting the awful pronunciation my family uses when referring to these cookies... it's embarrassing. Either way, they're delicious and I'm happy my mom makes them throughout the year! 

Neue Worter-

Eiweißgebäck - Google Translate is telling me this means protein biscuits... but I'm pretty sure it means something like cookies/pastries made of egg whites?

Zuckerguss - frosting

Pfefferkuchen - gingerbread

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfeffernuss

http://www.chefkoch.de/rs/s0/pfeffern%FCsse/Rezepte.html

This is what the Pfeffernüsse my mom makes look like

More traditional Pfeffernüsse