Tirggel [SEP] country of origin
Tirggel
Tirggel are traditional Christmas biscuits from Zürich, Switzerland. Made from flour and honey, they are thin, hard, and sweet.
History.
"Tirggel" are first recorded in Zürich as "Dirgel" in 1461. They have been manufactured there ever since with elaborately carved wooden moulds depicting Biblical or regional themes. More recently, the wooden moulds—four of which are exhibited in the Swiss National Museum—have been replaced by polycarbonate casts, which are easier to handle.
Preparation.
Tirggel
are best when sucked on for a while, which allows the honey flavour to become more pronounced.
"Tirggel" are also very durable. Swiss writer Emanuel Stickelberger reported in 1939 that "the "tirggel" has the admirable quality of not becoming stale, and the harder it gets, the more enjoyable is it to nibble on." On account of their elaborate ornamentation, traditionally manufactured "tirggel" are often not eaten at all for months or years and are kept as decorations instead.
See also.