Let’s Make Mandel Bread

“Mix up the flour, then you’ll be fed, Mammy’s gonna make a little shortnin’ bread. That isn’t all she’s gonna do. She is gonna make a little coffee, too.”

Actually, instead of shortnin’ bread let’s make mandel bread. This song has a down-home feel, a heimische Old World, fun feel to it. And that’s the feeling I recall when I was a young girl and my mom used to bake with all of us hanging around her in the kitchen.

My mom was a good cook and an excellent baker, renowned for her desserts. She made the best mandel bread recipe ever, and she made it a lot. She did not want to be a caterer, but she baked for holidays, parties, simchas (festive occasions) and at times she sold the delicacies. I have fond memories of many people enjoying her creations.

So, mix up the flour, then you’ll be fed. Mammy’s gonna make a little mandel bread. That isn’t all she’s gonna do. She is gonna make a little coffee, too. Mammy‘s little baby loves mandel mandel. Mammy’s little baby loves mandel bread.

Eat it crispy out of the oven, or after you’ve dipped it in a hot drink. This biscotti-like cookie will melt in your mouth and the flavors will congeal in a way that is yummy to the pallet and comforting to the soul.

If you find yourself longing to try this recipe, here it is. Let me know how it goes.

Please leave your comments below. 

Read more by Hinda Blum.