Have you ever heard of Manalas, those little man-shaped brioches?
Manalas are an Alsatian tradition for St Nicholas Day, which takes place on 06 December.
Just before Christmas, every year on the evening of St Nicholas’ Day, the whole family gathers around a beautifully decorated table to enjoy this brioche.
Manalas are often dipped in hot chocolate, to the delight of young and old alike!
Manalas, plain or with chocolate chips, are available in all good Alsatian bakeries.
Where does this Alsatian tradition of celebrating St Nicholas come from?
Legend has it that St Nicholas (the patron saint of children) resurrected 3 children. These 3 children had come to ask a butcher for hospitality, and the butcher cut them up into pieces while they were sleeping and put them in a salt cellar.
Traditionally, on St Nicholas Day, good children are rewarded with Manalas, gingerbread and mandarins.
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