There is a kind of cookie in Germany that is known as "Russian Bread" ("Russisch Brot"). It is said that the recipe did in fact originate in Russia,, from where it a German baker brought back to Dresden at the beginning of the 20th century. (That's Dr. Quendt now, but some people only know the terribly sweet Bahlsen clone...)
While the name suggests that this is bread, they are actually cookies - and special cookies at that, as they come in the shape of letters and numerals. In the past I brought a few bags back with me each time I was in Germany, but they are slightly fragile and I always wanted to make them myself - which was easier than I thought.
I found that I can make both rather filigree letters as also the bolder variety like the original. Even "cursive" works, as long as it isn't too big/long.
If you want to try yourself, whip four egg whites with a little salt,, then slowly add 130g sugar while you continue whipping until everything reaches a certain stiffness. Prepare 150g flour, a tablespoon cocoa and a little vanilla aroma in a separate bowl, mix that, then add it slowly to the egg whites. After everything is mixed nicely, get creative. The recipe suggested baking for 10 minutes at 170C, but the "regular" font needs slightly shorter (one or two minutes) than the "bold" typeface.
This left me with four egg yolks, which I had planned to use for lunch: I bought a broccoli, shredded it, mixed it with the egg yolks (plus one more egg due to the size of the broccoli), added spices and some flour, then fried my "broccoli burgers".
For a first-time freestyle recipe it worked out surprisingly well, I'll definitely make that again. Maybe next time with mushrooms?
