Lebkuchen

Ingredients

• Chopped hazelnuts - 1/2 cup
• Chopped candied citron - 1/2 cup
• Ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground cloves - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Baking soda - 1 1/2 teaspoons
• All - purpose flour - 4 cups
• Lemon zest - 1 tablespoon
• Egg - 1
• Brown sugar - 3/4 cup
• Molasses - 3/4 cup
• Honey - 1 cup

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, stir together the honey and molasses. Bring the mixture to a boil, remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, egg, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour and baking soda. Add the molasses mixture to the bowl and mix well. Stir in the citron and hazelnuts. Cover dough and chill overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
4. Using a small amount of dough at a time, roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into small rectangles and place them 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until no imprint remains when touched lightly. Brush the icing over the cookies while they are still hot and quickly remove them to wire cooling racks. Store in airtight container with a cup of orange or apple for a few days to mellow.