Bratzlies are a Swiss cookie made from balls of dough pressed in a hot waffle-like iron. After they have been pressed, they are removed from the iron to cool on a rolling pin which give them a curved shape. The cookies are very thin and crunchy, almost like a chip.
Bratzlie making is a Carter family tradition at Christmas time. My father made these Christmas cookies with his grandmother and the tradition carries on with my family and the families of my married brother's and sister.
I loved making bratzlies with my Dad. My Mom rolled out long snake like pieces of dough which she then cut into individual balls to be pressed. My Dad's job was the pressing and my job was to place the dough on the iron. This is a job that cannot be accomplished without an occasional burn. My goal was to get the ball of dough in the exact spot so my Dad wouldn't adjust them with his wooden spatula. Even if I did get it right in the middle, it seems he always had to to a little adjusting.
The smell of bratzlies cooking bring feelings of warmth, family, Christmas, joy, and love. I am so grateful for this family tradition and find so much joy in continuing the tradition with my family.
4 comments:
Traditions bind families. I'm grateful you kids care to carry on an activity that was so much a part of my Christmases growing up. I loved the pic's of your sweet family making bratzelies and wished I could've been there making them with you.
I'm glad you've done this as a memory! What great pictures.
I've made two batches already, and I always think of Mimi, even though I never knew her. I think of highschool days coming over to your house and smelling the braetzli's cooking....I love this tradition!
M
sweet pictures of those i love...i need that aroma wafting through the walls of this home soon. xox
Also a tradition in my family, and my favorite cookie that I look forward to all year long! :)
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