Springerle and Speculatius are cookie molds with a long tradition in German.
history: The term Springerle is most likely from an old German dialect and roughly means “little knight" or "jumping horse”. Their history probably traces back to the Julfest, a midwinter celebration of pagan Germanic tribes, in which animals were sacrificed to the gods, in hope that such offerings would bring a mild winter and an early spring. Poor people who could not afford to kill any of their animals gave token sacrifices in the form of animal-shaped breads and cookies. Vestiges of these ancient rites survive in the baking of both modern Springerle and Speculatius.
The richest area of Springerle carving is Swabia, where there are records of this art going back to the 14th century. So it is with great pride that we are able to showcase one of the few Swabian carvers to carry this tradition into the 21st century.
Martin Merkle is a Master Carver who graduated from a difficult two year program at a special technical school for wood working. All aspects of wood working are covered, including how to run your own shop. This degree is very difficult to get. Martin Merkle also worked for several years in a wood restoration shop in Florence, Italy which is famous for its wood restoration projects.
A native of the Swabian region of Germany which has a richly recorded history of springerle carving, Martin Merkle himself comes from a family of wood workers. Mr. Merkle has hand carved a series of beautiful wooden cookie molds that can be used for springerle, speculatius, shortbread, sablé, and salt dough ornaments. Choosing from water-resistant plum and pear woods, he carves traditional motifs as well as his own designs, each of which demonstrates exceptional artistry and skill. We think you'll agree that these are molds to be used not only for baking but to be enjoyed as works of art, as well. Check out the website of the furniture atelier in Germany where he also makes and restores furniture: http://www.adams-fachwerkstatt.de/
