Bremer Klaben

This rich sweet bread is made with a heavy yeast dough mixed with candied fruit and nuts. It is one of the many traditional specialties of Bremen's cuisine. The recipe for Klaben dates back to the 16th century, when bakers in Hanseatic League cities gained access to exotic ingredients they were able to obtain through their member cities. The sweet bread is filled with raisins, almonds, various nuts, and orange and lemon peel. It is not sugar-dusted after baking, as opposed to Dresdner Stollen. The distinctive taste of this holiday favorite comes from the addition of cardamom, rum, or nutmeg. Klaben is usually baked at the beginning of December, and it can stay fresh until Easter.