Tis the Season for Krembo

 


Krembo has appeared as a masked singer on Israel's version of the television show.  However, krembo is more known as a delicious treat in Israel that appears in stores during select months.

For this week's bake, Rob chose to make krembos.  It is believed that krembo treats originated in Denmark a couple of centuries ago and became popular in Northern Europe.  When Ashknazi Jews (Jews from Central and Eastern European) escaped from persecution, they took what was then the original krembo to pre-state Israel.  The original name was said to be racist and "krembo" was the name chosen by the Israeli manufacturer, the Whitman Company.  The name "krembo" breaks down to krem, which means "cream" and bo, which means "in it."  Krembo does indeed have cream in it. The chocolate coated marshmallow treats are incredibly popular in Israel.

Due to the long, hot climate, krembos are only made and sold from October through January in Israel.  The delicious treats would be exposed to heat and melting if they were sold during the rest of the year in Israel. When krembos come on the market each year, there is certainly a demand. 

 


In Hebrew translation, Dumbledore (Harry Potter's powerful wizard) ate kembro.  In the series, he ate lemon candy but kembro was the equivalent of Israeli children's favorite dessert and translated better for Israeli audiences.

There is an organization in Israel, Krembo Wings, named after the delicious treat. Krembos are delicate and individually wrapped, as people can be delicate and need to be recognized as individuals. Krembo Wings is a youth movement in Israel for children and young adults with special needs, providing weekly social activities for young people with all types of mental and physical disabilities and their able-bodied peers. Activities are carried out with the assistance of more than 2,000 able-bodied youth counselors, aged 14 to 18, who learn the values of volunteering and leadership through their roles. Krembo Wings' main purpose is to enable every child living with any type of motor, cognitive or sensory disability to take part in enjoyable social interactions between one another and their able-bodied peers — and become part of community life in Israel.

Krembos take on many meanings and can be seen as serving numerous purposes. Of course, most think of krembos as delicious desserts. Below is the recipe Rob followed from The Nosher, as found on the website My Jewish Learning.  Photos of Rob's bake can be found after the recipe.

Ingredients

For the cookie base: 

  • ½ cup unsalted butter or vegan butter
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 ⅓  cup flour
  • 1-2 Tbsp water, as needed

For the marshmallow cream:

  • ¾  cups sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • ¼  tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla

For the chocolate shell: 

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup coconut oil

Directions

To make the cookie base
Combine the butter and powdered sugar with a stand or hand mixer until fluffy.
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract and sea salt until combined.  
Add the flour and 1-2 Tbsp water, as needed until a crumbly dough forms.
Shape into a disc, cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.  
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness.  
Cut 2 ½ inch circles out of the dough, re-roll the scraps to cut into circles.  
Transfer to the baking tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until golden.
Transfer to a cooling rack until they cool to room temperature.

To make the marshmallow cream: 
In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water to 240°F over medium heat. Once the sugar mixture reaches 200°F, begin whipping the egg whites and cream of tartar in a stand mixer to stiff peaks.
Once the sugar mixture reaches 240°F, pour the sugar syrup into the whipping egg whites, beating on high for 5-7 minutes, or until stable and shiny.
Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large, round tip. Holding the piping bag vertically, pipe a tall mound on each cookie.
Transfer to the fridge until set.
 
To make the chocolate shell
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler (or in the microwave in 30-second increments). 
Add the coconut oil, mixing to combine. It should be the consistency of heavy cream.
Spoon the chocolate coating over the marshmallow. Return to the fridge to set.  
 
Krembos would make a great holiday treat whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah. Great taste is appreciated in all cultures.  Thank you for taking time to check out the blog.  Have a sweet week filled with goodness.   Linda
 
 

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