My newest book:
Danish "Sarah Bernhardt" cookies
Who has heard of an incrediably delicious pastry called a "Sarah Bernhardt"?! My mother used to bring them home as a special treat from Jespersen's Bakery when I was in elementry school living in a suburb of NYC. I haven't had one ever again until now - my favorite bakery, Lagkagehuset, here in Copenhagen makes them! Let me try to describe it: a crispy crackily macaroon cookie covered with a dome of creamy chocolate truffle, coated in dark chocolate and topped with an almond. Believe me, it is good!
So are they Danish? I did a little research and they are! It seems that in Denmark there is a long tradition of naming pastries for people and events. The story is that in 1883 the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt came to Copenhagen and feel in love with these traditional Danish cookies. The Danes loved her so much that they renamed the cookies in her honor!
There is alot of history attached to this pastry, I learned. During World War II it became an act of courage to ask for a "Sarah Bernhardt. It looks like an old-fashioned radio knob, and asking for one became a special code for resistance fighters and sympathizers to recognize eachother.
Of course I didn't know any of this when I was little, but it interesting to think about it all when I'm having one now. It is definately a pastry the Danes can be proud of!