Late 19th Century Dutch Belgian Wood Spekulaas St. Nick Bishop Cookie Board Mold

Description

Antique, Dutch / Belgian, hand carved, large wood Spekulaas Cookie Mold with St. Nicholas figure. This thick, rustic board measures … more Antique, Dutch / Belgian, hand carved, large wood Spekulaas Cookie Mold with St. Nicholas figure. This thick, rustic board measures 13 2/4" high, 7 1/4" wide and is 7/8" thick. A small hole was drilled on the top edge and fitted with a simple wire for hanging to dry and later for display. These traditional cookie presses originally came from county Flanders in Belgium and were intended for use in making spekulaas, an almond and spice cookie, similar to gingerbread, served on the feast of St. Nicholas, December 6, in the Low Countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg) as well as surrounding German areas. The cookie dough is mixed, rolled and pressed into such molds and then turned on to sheets for baking. Wood cookie presses in various sizes and motifs have been used in northern Europe for centuries to commemorate holidays, special occasions or send messages/wishes. (In Germanic countries such molds have traditionally used for "springerle", an anise-based, white biscuit which are also used as ornaments.) Today, molds are also made in resin and silicone. Due to the artistry in making the old wood molds, antique and vintage molds have become valued both for cooking and as wall art, allowing people to enjoy their rustic appeal as well as the images beyond the holidays. This traditional mold with the saint in his medieval bishop's robes is perfect for a charming, rustic holiday display or making holiday treats! less