h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Traditional Pumpernickel - A38581734
Author: B'Elana [©] ACE- Minister of Abbr. - The mouse is back <somersault> - German Meet @ A35703281 - U230913

It's been a while.
I've meant to write about Pumpernickel for ages, but just like it takes ages to cook this bread, it took me ages to make up my mind.

Comments and suggestions appreciated.

Good stuff B'El. It might be interesting if you added a section on how it's served, and what usually accompanies it - things like that?

And I'm sure you'll find something to link Napoleon's horse Nicole to.

Oh yes, I am aware of the possible links, in fact that was the entry that reminded me of pumpernickel. I just thought I'd add links later, if we've established that this is EG worthy.

I have read that it is served with hors d'ouvres and caviar, but I've never been at such a party, so I'm not sure it's true.

It's delightful, and informative too

Thank you.

Now if somebody could tell me what it is served with (other than all the things you normally have with bread) I'd be happy to add that.

Spinach dip?

Zucchini?


http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&hl=en-GB&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIC_en-GBGB221GB241&q=pumpernickel+servings

Are those commonly eaten with pumpernickel?

I think you can eat it with everything, which is what is done here.

The google search/link gives a number of recipes that include pumpernickel.

Not having eaten the bread, I couldn't possible say if the recipes are common

I'll think of something to put.

I think I've seen recipes using it crumbled as a base for a sweet, which sounds like a poor man's bread pudding.

It's delicious with cream cheese and honey or jam. Or just with butter and jam/honey/marmalade.

Do you think it would be relevant or interesting to add a reference to Chris Howland, B'El?

I didn't think of him. Do you know why he got this nickname?
Just mentioning him without offereing an explanation would be odd.

Oh, and good to see you here, it reminded me that I meant to link to your entry (I specifically worded the first sentence so that I can link to Germna Bread.

OK, I've mentioned the variety of recipes you can find, added a quote and a few links.

There are a few instances of Pumpernickel making a name for it's self outside of the kitchen such as:
Daffy Duck's famous role in the Looney tunes cartoon "The Scarlet Pumpernickel".
Also the well known chart topping hit in 1952 by Doris Day...Pumpernickel.

Then there is the TV show, Blackadder Goes Forth.
Episode 5 - "General Hospital"

Darling: This is completely ridiculous, Blackadder! You can't suspect me. I've only just arrived.

Edmund: The first rule of counterespionage, Darling, is to suspect everyone. Believe me, I shall be asking myself pretty searching questions later on. Now, tell me: What is the color of the Queen of England's favorite hat?

Darling: How the hell should I know?

Edmund: I see. Well, let me ask you another question: What is the name of the German Head of State?

Darlin: Well, Kaiser Wilhelm, obviously.

Edmund: (stands) So you're on first-name terms with the Kaiser, are you?

Darling: (shouts) Well, what did you expect me to say?

Edmund: Darling, Darling, shhh... (offers) Cigarette?

Darling: (as Edmund puts cigarette in his mouth and begins to light it) Thank you.

(pause)

Edmund: (suddenly knocks the cigarette out of Darling's mouth) All right, you stinking piece of crap!

Darling: I beg your pardon?

Edmund: Shut your cakehole, sonny -- I know you! Tell me, von Darling: What was it finally won you over, eh? Was it the pumpernickel, or was it the thought of hanging around with big men in leather shorts?




Good entry this.

Thank you, Keith.

If I can find some more info, I may well add a trivia section.

I can't find any explanation as to why Chris Howland took on the name. It seems it sounded particularly British.

The definition of "nickel" as "The Devil" would link back up to the English expression "old Nick" for the same entity. Around our parts, he's known as "De Belsenickel" (dialect rendering!)

I've just found that Chris Howland himself coined the name 'Heinrich Pumpernickel' which was later known as Mister Pumpernickel, but that's on w*k*, so I'll try to find it soemwhere else.

The nickel-devil thing must be regional, I had never heard of it before. I'll think of some way to add that.

OK; I have mentione Old Nick and de Belsenickel and added a (if small) trivia section.

I liked the opening quote and footnote. The rest is fine too.

This was the only part that bogged me down-
"An anecdote which is known until this day [...]"

I think, unless you mean that the anecdote isn't known anymore (in which case the tense of the verb is wrong, and your entry must be some kind of well-guarded secret), that you meant, "An anecdote which is still known to this day" or something similar.

Thanks Jordan. What I meant is, that the anecdote is several hundred years old and still remembered and passed on. So still known to this day it is then unless you (or somebody else) have a better suggestion.