Kirschenmichel is a beloved Germandessert that blends the tartness of cherries with soft, custard-soaked bread, often served as a snack or dessert. This dish provides several health benefits due to its key ingredients. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The bread offers a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. However, it’s important to enjoy Kirschenmichel in moderation due to the added sugar and fat in the custard. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, it can be a comforting and flavorful treat with a nutritional boost.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups stale white bread (cubed)
  • 2 cups fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
  • Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Place the cubed stale bread in the greased baking dish, and spread the cherries evenly over the bread cubes.
  4. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the bread and cherries, making sure all the bread is soaked.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  6. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
  7. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

While Kirschenmichel is delightful on its own, here are some ideas for creative twists:

  • Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm custard texture.
  • Add Cinnamon or Vanilla Syrup: For extra flavor, drizzle the dessert with cinnamon or homemade vanilla syrup.
  • Pair with Other Desserts: Kirschenmichel can be served alongside other German desserts, such as Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake), for a dessert buffet.

Customization Tips for Different Diets

  • Keto-Friendly: To make Kirschenmichel suitable for a keto diet, you can use low-carb bread alternatives (such as almond flour bread or coconut flour bread) and replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread in place of traditional white bread. There are plenty of gluten-free bread options available that will still give you that custard-soaked texture while maintaining the dessert’s authenticity.
  • Diabetic-Friendly: For a diabetic-friendly version, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative, such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Also, consider using whole grain or sprouted bread, which has a lower glycemic index and is better for blood sugar regulation.

How to Store Leftover Kirschenmichel

If you have any leftovers, Kirschenmichel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also freeze the dessert for longer storage (up to 2 months). To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave it for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Nutritional Information and Daily Value (DV) Breakdown

While Kirschenmichel provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins, it's helpful to understand how the nutritional values align with your daily recommended intake (DV). Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their contribution to the DV:

4 Cups Stale White Bread (200g)

  • Calories: 520
  • Carbohydrates: 100g (33% DV)
  • Protein: 10g (20% DV)
  • Fat: 2g (3% DV)
  • Iron: 2mg (10% DV)

Benefit: The bread is an important source of carbohydrates, providing energy, and also contains small amounts of thiamine (vitamin B1), which supports metabolism.

2 Cups Fresh or Canned Cherries (300g)

  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrates: 30g (10% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 20mg (33% DV)
  • Potassium: 250mg (7% DV)

Benefit: Cherries are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells. Their high vitamin C content also supports immune health.

2 Cups Milk (480ml, whole or skim)

  • Calories: 150 (whole milk)
  • Calcium: 300mg (30% DV)
  • Vitamin D: 100 IU (25% DV)

Benefit: Milk is rich in calcium for bone health and vitamin D for calcium absorption. It also provides protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

2 Eggs (100g)

  • Calories: 140
  • Protein: 12g (24% DV)
  • Vitamin A: 540 IU (11% DV)
  • Vitamin B12: 1.2mcg (20% DV)

Benefit: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and vitamin B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell production.

1/2 Cup Sugar (100g)

  • Calories: 400
  • Carbohydrates: 100g (33% DV)

Benefit: While sugar provides a quick energy source, it should be consumed in moderation due to its impact on blood sugar and overall health.

Nutritional values and benefits:

4 Cups Stale White Bread (about 200g)

  • Calories: 520
  • Carbohydrates: 100g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 0.3mg (20% DV)
  • Minerals:
  • Iron: 2mg (10% DV)

Benefit: Bread provides carbohydrates, which are an important energy source. It also contains small amounts of B vitamins, such as thiamine, that support metabolism and overall health.

2 Cups Fresh or Canned Cherries (about 300g)

  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin C: 20mg (33% DV)
  • Vitamin A: 100 IU (2% DV)
  • Minerals:
  • Potassium: 250mg (7% DV)

Benefit: Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports healthy skin. They also contain antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which can reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress.

2 Cups Milk (whole or skim, about 480ml)

  • Calories: 150 (whole milk)
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin A: 500 IU (10% DV)
  • Vitamin D: 100 IU (25% DV)
  • Minerals:
  • Calcium: 300mg (30% DV)

Benefit: Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which supports bone health, and vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption. It also provides protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

2 Eggs (about 100g)

  • Calories: 140
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Cholesterol: 370mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin A: 540 IU (11% DV)
  • Vitamin B12: 1.2mcg (20% DV)
  • Minerals:
  • Iron: 1.2mg (7% DV)

Benefit: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. They also contain vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function, and vitamin A for vision and immune health.

1/2 Cup Sugar (100g)

  • Calories: 400
  • Carbohydrates: 100g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Benefit: Sugar is a quick source of energy, but should be consumed in moderation to avoid blood sugar spikes and other health issues related to excess sugar intake, like weight gain and increased risk of metabolic diseases.

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (5g)

  • Calories: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin A: 5 IU
  • Minerals:
  • Potassium: 10mg

Benefit: Vanilla extract adds a rich, natural flavor to dishes and contains antioxidants that can contribute to overall health.

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (1g)

  • Calories: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 1.6g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 1mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin K: 3mcg (4% DV)
  • Minerals:
  • Iron: 0.1mg (1% DV)
  • Benefit: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It also adds a warm, aromatic flavor to recipes.

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (1g)

  • Calories: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 1mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin C: 0.4mg (1% DV)
  • Minerals:
  • Manganese: 0.1mg (5% DV)
  • Benefit: Nutmeg contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to improve digestion and reduce pain and discomfort in the body.

2 Tablespoons Butter (28g) (for greasing)

  • Calories: 200
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Vitamins:
  • Vitamin A: 500 IU (10% DV)
  • Minerals:
  • Calcium: 10mg (1% DV)

Benefit: Butter provides healthy fats, which are necessary for energy production and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It also contains vitamin A, which is vital for eye health and immune function.

Powdered Sugar (optional, for garnish)

  • Calories: 20 (for 1 teaspoon)
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Benefit: Powdered sugar is used for aesthetic purposes to enhance the presentation of desserts. It contributes minimal nutrients but adds sweetness to the dish.

Summary of Nutritional Benefits:

Kirschenmichel is a delicious, comforting dessert that provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins. The bread serves as the main energy source, while the cherries provide antioxidants, vitamins C and A, and potassium. Milk, eggs, and butter contribute to the richness of the dish, adding protein, calcium, and healthy fats. Cinnamon and nutmeg not only enhance the flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Though the dish contains sugar and butter, these ingredients should be used in moderation for a balanced dessert experience.

kiro
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