Stollen

Today's the day .......................... for a Christmas tradition

Here's one thing associated with Christmas that can never come too early for me.

Stollen are one of the oldest German Christmas food traditions dating back to the 15th century when the shape of the cake was meant to represent the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes.  They are packed with an array of rich and festive ingredients - raisins, cherries, marzipan, butter, citrus peel, spices and a generous helping of rum.  You can see why it would be 248 kcals a slice - but who cares about that?

Today was supposed to be the birth day of our own, very precious, baby Tessa - but she decided to make an early appearance too.  We're so glad that she did - and that she (and her parents) are doing just fine ............................