December 7 – Recipe for sweet chestnut cake according to Hildegard von Bingen

Recipe for sweet chestnut cake according to Hildegard von Bingen

Sweet Chestnut Cake Recipe (Hildegard von Bingen Inspired)

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups finely ground spelt flour (or substitute all-purpose flour)
• 1 large egg
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

For the topping:

• 2 cups sweet chestnuts (about 1 pound, peeled and boiled)
• 1½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the spelt flour, egg, softened butter, and sugar. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
   • Roll out the dough and press it into a 12-inch round tart or cake pan. Ensure the edges are covered evenly.
2. Prepare the topping:
   • Peel the sweet chestnuts, boil them until soft (about 20-30 minutes), and mash or puree them through a fine sieve to achieve a smooth consistency.
   • In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
   • Gently fold in the chestnut puree and rum until well combined.
3. Assemble and bake:
   • Spread the chestnut topping evenly over the prepared dough.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 1 hour, or until the topping is set and golden brown.
4. Cool and serve:
   • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing.
   • Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Enjoy a taste of tradition with this Hildegard von Bingen-inspired recipe!

 

Who was Hildegard von Bingen?

A woman who was way ahead of her time

When we think of strong women in history, one name always comes to mind: Hildegard of Bingen. But who was this extraordinary woman who, even in the 12th century, knew far more than many of her contemporaries ever dared to dream? Today we take you on a journey through the fascinating life of this visionary abbess, who combined the art of healing, spirituality and science in her own incomparable way.

The woman behind the name

Hildegard von Bingen was born in 1098 and entered monastic life at an early age. But she was not a nun who sat quietly in a corner. Oh no! Hildegard was a true jack-of-all-trades: writer, mystic, naturalist, composer – and all this when most women couldn’t even read. You could almost say she was the medieval equivalent of a multitasking queen. Even at a young age, Hildegard had visions, which she later interpreted as messages from God. These visions became the core of her work and shaped her extensive works.

Hildegard’s medicine

One of her most famous legacies is the art of healing. Hildegard was convinced that the body, soul and spirit belonged together. Her recipes were based on herbs, spices and a balanced diet. Who would have thought that spelt bread and fennel tea could not only be delicious, but also really healthy? Hildegard showed us how! A well-known quote from her reads: “People should eat and drink in moderation and find the right rhythm for work and rest.” Sounds pretty modern, doesn’t it? Perhaps she was even the first work-life balance influencer

Spelt, the best grain

According to Hildegard von Bingen, spelt is preferable to all other grains. She describes the grain as follows: “Oily and powerful and easier to digest than all other grains. It provides the person who eats it with good flesh and gives him good blood. It makes the soul of man happy and full of cheerfulness. And however it is prepared, whether as bread or as other food, it is good and sweet.” (Hildegard von Bingen)

Music for the soul

In addition to her medical wisdom, Hildegard was also a talented musician. She composed over 70 liturgical chants that still have a profound effect on her listeners today. Her music is often described as heavenly – fitting for a woman who saw heaven so vividly in her visions.

Knowledge and visions

Her magnum opus “Physika” is a compendium of natural healing, describing medicinal plants, gemstones and animals – even though she had no modern access to laboratories or books. Her works bear witness to a deep understanding of nature. But the real miracle is that Hildegard combined science with spirituality, demonstrating that faith and reason can go hand in hand.

What we can learn from Hildegard today

Hildegard von Bingen taught us that true wisdom comes from the combination of heart and mind. She encouraged people to live in harmony with nature and to reflect on themselves. Perhaps this is precisely the message we so desperately need in our hectic, digital world.

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