Schneeball (pastry)
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| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Details | |
| Type | Pastry |
| Main ingredient(s) | Shortcrust pastry, flour, eggs, sugar, butter, cream, plum schnaps |
A Schneeball (plural: Schneebälle), snowball in English, is a pastry made from shortcrust pastry especially popular in the area of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Its name derives from its round ball-like shape with a diameter of about eight to ten centimeters and the traditional decoration with confectioner's sugar.
History
This kind of pastry is known for at least 300 years in the regions of Franconia and Hohenlohe (northeast of Baden-Württemberg) where it is very popular. Served only on special occasions such as weddings in the past; they are nowadays available throughout the year and can be found around Rothenburg ob der Tauber in bakeries, pastry shops and cafes. In the town itself there are even companies that specialize in the pastry, constantly coming out with new variations. Beside the classical ones dusted with confectioner's sugar, there are recipes glazed with chocolate and nuts or filled with marzipan. As the pastry is considered the signature dish of the town it is a very common souvenir for tourists.
Preparation
The main ingredients are flour, eggs, sugar, butter, cream and plum schnaps. To give it the characteristic shape the dough is rolled out and cut with a dough cutter into even strips. The strips are then arranged alternately over and under a stick, or the handle of a wooden spoon. Eventually the stick is lifted and slowly removed while the dough stripes are formed into a loose ball. Using a special holder called a Schneeballeneisen in order to retain the shape, the ball is deep-fried in boiling fat until golden brown, and finally, dusted with confectioner's sugar while still warm.
The snowball is a dry, cookie-like pastry, so it has a long shelf life- about eight weeks without refrigeration.
