History

The first Stollen was documented about the year 1450 aD in Dresden (in Sachsen, Germany). In the middle Ages, people tried to represent christian symbols in the traditional celebration-cakes and pastries.
The Stollen symbolized the baby Jesus in diapers, often being served in small woven straw-baskets, representing the manger.

It was made solely out of water, flour, oil, oats and dried fruits - if you could afford these... since butter or milk weren't allowed under the strict catholic fast-rules.
Because of that, Kurfürst Ernst of Sachsen and his brother Albert seeked 1647 an audience with the Pope and requested abolishment of the so called "butter-prohibition".

Their wish was granted.

The Pope issued 1647 the "Butter-letter", which said that butter and milk could be used with a pure conscience and Gods blessing for the Christmas bakery - for a small monetary penance...

The precise harmonisation of all ingredients was a sternly guarded secret in the bakers trade.

In the 19th century it became a symbol for wealth for the growing middle class to use only expensive, high-grade ingredients and exotic spices for the Stollen, the more, the better.

Recipes

An old Dresden Baking book says: 'Stollen should consist of:

50% Butter

55% (soaked) raisins

15% dried, sugared fruits (esp. mixed peel)

10% ground almonds OR marzipan

-> referring to 100% plain flour. Milk (full fat), sugar, salt, spices and spirits (never forget the alcohol!) should be added according to taste and experience.'

• 200g sultanas
• 150g currants

• 1 kg plain flour
• 80g bread yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 250g warm milk

• 500g melted butter
• 150g sugar
• 2 eggyolk
• grated skin of 2 lemons

• 150g mixed peel (or other candied fruits)
• 250g chopped almonds

• 125g butter
• 2 eggs
• 175g honey
• 200g quark *

• grated skin of 1 lemon
• 100g ground almonds
• 150g raisins
• 60g mixed peel or other dried fruit

• 500g plain sieved flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• salt, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon

Storage

At 12-15°C (cool) in closed container for about 8 weeks. If it lasts that long.