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Flammkuchen (Flatbread) with Asparagus and Prosciutto

5/19/2020

46 Comments

 
Here we are a little over two months of being confined to our homes trying to adjust to a new life. No, I can’t complain, I haven’t lost a loved one, I am retired, I can pay my bills, and I live in a beautiful area. I am trying to be positive and some days I am, but other days are difficult and depressing. It makes me sad to think of all the hardship that this pandemic has created and  yes I miss my old life with all its privileges and perks. There is no running away from it, we are all affected. Enough of whining, I know there are people who are much worse off than I am.
Flammkuchen
So, how am I coping. I cook and cook and cook and when I don’t cook I watch youtube  videos on cooking . My screen time is up exponentially. I read and I watch TV,  although I am watching much less TV than in the beginning. My little garden gives me some pleasure. Sunshine makes me happy, but today it is raining. Every morning I make a plan but on the blah days I procrastinate and nothing gets done.
Flammkuchen
The other day I was fantasizing about sitting in a little German restaurant somewhere in the countryside enjoying a glass or two of wine and eating Flammkuchen (flame cake) with my friends. So, instead of looking at cheap flights or redeeming my miles I started to research Flammkuchen recipes. Flammmkuchen is a specialty from Alsace where it is called tart flambé. It is a crispy somewhat blackened very thin (1mm) and blistered crust that is traditionally topped with Crême Fraîche, Speck (smoked pork belly,) and thinly sliced onions, sprinkled with arugula. Today it is topped with anything imaginable . It is a favorite treat for the young crowd and often is the cheapest prized item on the menu.
Flammkuchen
Flammkuchen was used as a trial bake for bakers to test the communal wood-fired ovens to see if they were ready to bake bread and cakes. Every village (including mine) had a Backhaus (baking house) where once or twice a week the village women would bake their bread and cake. Think of this Flammmkuchen as a tart baked in flames, burned on the outside and crispy as a cracker
Flammkuchen
This Flammkuchen was made with bacon, asparagus and some cheese
Researching Flammkuchen gave me a purpose and I dived right into it. It took away the edges of uncertainty and fear. I made several and my husband liked them. Once I made it for lunch on a sunny day, we sat on our deck with a glass of chardonnay and the living was good.  I see this as a perfect cooking project for young teens, making the dough and choosing their toppings.
Flammkuchen
The dough is a mixture of flour, salt, water, and oil that needs to be mixed together and kneaded for at least 5 minutes or more until it becomes a smooth and shiny and can be rolled out to a very thin crust. Some recipes call for yeast but I choose one without it from a German YouTube channel called Thomas kocht . I tried several of his recipes and they are all good. Because there is no yeast in the dough it has to be be baked in a very hot oven preferable on a pizza stone that has been heated for an hour or a sheet pan that has been heated for 30 minutes . You are in Flammkuchen heaven if you have a pizza oven.
Picture
This is Manu Koenig, running for county supervisor in District 1,Santa Cruz County. He's got my vote and he liked my Flammkuchen.
While sheltering in place I got adventurous  in my cooking and geared into the realm of the unknown for me. I prepared some Asian dishes , some of them not so good but some of them ok. Once this is over I will probably go back to my favorite restaurants. I go shopping at my local farmer’s market and buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. I love asparagus and we have the freshest green asparagus available. Unfortunately we don’t have white asparagus like they have in Europe. My husband and I both love asparagus soup. It’s easy to make and so delicious . We have had it several times.  
Here are some more asparagus recipes, click on the photo for the recipe
Asparagus soup
Creamy and easy to make asparagus soup
Asparagus frittata
I make this frittata when asparagus is in season
Chinese Noodle salad with asparagus
A delicious Chinese noodle salad rom the Greens cookbook.
review recipe for Flammkuchen
46 Comments
John / Kitchen Riffs link
5/20/2020 07:55:13 am

We haven't watched TV in almost two years! And little before that. Although of course we do see video clips, etc on our computers, so I guess we watch -- just in a different way. Anyway, this looks lovely. Something I'd like to share with friends. When we can do that again. :-(

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Gerlinde
5/20/2020 01:44:44 pm

My husband couldn’t live without his TV , watching sports, news and more. I am not that much interested other than when I had a broken ankle. I watched a lot of TV.

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Darlene Foster link
5/20/2020 02:15:36 pm

I love flammkuchen and must make it again soon. I also have been trying new recipes for us to enjoy during the lockdown!

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Gerlinde
5/20/2020 09:48:36 pm

Darlene, I recommended your wonderful books to some parents that have to homeschool.

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Eha
5/20/2020 06:45:26 pm

A very familiar bake I have not made in years . . . looking and reading has made me want to try again ! As you say, each one of us has a different lifestyle . . . since I work, do my uni studies and much of my 'socializing' from home anyways, living virtually in a national park, my life has actually gotten way busier during the pandemic . . . but in a way I can personally control. It is a frightening scourge for the world a long time away from the finish . . . for me so far it has been a fun time of at last getting to so many things I have postponed . . . . naturally eye each delivery person coming to the door with a somewhat suspicious eye . . . !! And I love the political, economic etc debates on TV plus all the free opera, symphony, plays and interviews tremendously enjoyable if there were just enough hours to the day . . .

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Gerlinde
5/21/2020 01:54:06 pm

The free opera is fun , I have been listening to some of it. I am getting used to staying at home and doing projects I have postponed for years. Right now I am sorting all my old photos. It's quite a job.

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Liz link
5/21/2020 07:33:18 am

We watched a chef prepare his flammmkuchen recipe when we were in Germany last summer. The recipe he provided was very vague, so I'm delighted to have your yummy recipe!!

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Gerlinde
5/21/2020 01:57:50 pm

Liz, you are such a good baker and I enjoy all your recipes. Just make sure you have a very hot oven that has been preheated with the sheet pan for at least 30 minutes.It's perfect when it looks a little burned on the edges.

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David Scott Allen link
5/21/2020 07:34:37 am

Of course, I have had this in Germany and even in France. But I’ve never made it home… I like all the options you gave, and I definitely will try this soon. A perfect supper for the pandemic.

Like John, we don’t watch television. It’s been more than two years, and we only finally gave up our cable two months ago! We also watch YouTube for cooking snippets, but that’s about it. Mostly, like you, I’m in the kitchen cooking.

Stay safe and happy! I know it’s hard sometimes, but it will help us get through…

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Gerlinde
5/21/2020 01:59:56 pm

I am feeling so much better Scott and I am getting used to our new reality. Life continues and the kitchen is always a good place to be in.

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Healthy World Cuisine link
5/21/2020 05:30:51 pm

Glad you are hanging in there Gerlinde. We know this issue has affected us all and some pretty hard. Glad you were able to recreate the flammkuchen. I can see how thin and crispy it is and let me tell you this is our favorite. Your toppings are delightfully spring inspired. Stay strong as I think things are going to move forward soon. Take Care

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Gerlinde
5/22/2020 02:41:43 pm

I am trying to hang in there and hope that things are getting better soon. I am getting used to my new life. Thanks and stay safe.

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diane marvin koenig
5/21/2020 08:50:06 pm

Gerlinde this is a delicious recipe! I was a lucky recipient of a Flammkuchen delivered and fresh out of the oven. Made with asparagus, cheeses it has a tangy flavor and it’s crispness is a delightful to bite into. Thanks for the special delivery!

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Gerlinde
5/22/2020 02:37:15 pm

We should do it in the mountains together.

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Jo Nell Huff link
5/22/2020 02:03:48 pm

Your flatbread looks very adaptable. Your garden is lovely. It seems you have been productive saying home.

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Gerlinde
5/22/2020 02:38:50 pm

It was good to be somewhat productive. I am adjusting.

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sherry link
5/22/2020 11:46:29 pm

this looks so good! how delightful. i love the idea of the base being so very thin. that suits me to a T:) i too have been having mood swings up and down and all over the place. i lost my mojo big time and haven't done much reading or blogging. just lots of cooking! hope you're feeling better soon.
cheers
sherry

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Gerlinde
5/23/2020 08:52:59 am

I know how you feel, cooking really helps. I am doing ok. Some days are better than others. Stay safe and healthy.

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Karen (Back Road Journal) link
5/25/2020 07:29:46 am

It is a tradition that on our first day in Alsace, we have flammkuchen for lunch. You did a terrific job getting yours nice and thin and bubbled. I've had no problem with the lockdown. While lots of people have been getting takeout, we've cooked every meal and I realized that I ate a lot of average food dining at restaurants just to enjoy an evening with friends.

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Gerlinde
5/25/2020 08:47:24 am

We only got takeout when I was under the weather. I love going to restaurants even if some the food is mediocre, I love the ambience, the smile of the server, being served and having a good time. We are in our cabin sheltering down and up here I have a pizza stone . I will try the Flammenkuchen up here.

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The-FoodTrotter link
5/25/2020 07:40:45 am

Well I'm quite used to the traditional recipe, but with asparagus it looks very appealing! I should try I bet it was delicious :)

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Gerlinde
5/25/2020 08:49:55 am

It’s impossible to get lightly smoked pork belly where I live and I think you need that for the traditional recipe. I like experimenting with different toppings.

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Heidi | The Frugal Girls link
5/26/2020 09:17:33 am

Your garden is so lovely, and dinner looks AMAZING!! I'm glad you're all doing well! :)

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Gerlinde
5/26/2020 09:21:50 am

I am adjusting and doing fine. Thank you Heidi, stay safe and well.

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sippitysup link
5/29/2020 09:25:27 am

It sounds like you're thriving! And that's worth celebrating. GREG

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Gerlinde
5/29/2020 08:00:52 pm

Yep, let's celebrate.

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Rhonda Mack
5/30/2020 09:55:02 am

My husband I often travel to Germany and France and flammkuchen is one of our favorite meals while there. I tried the recipe yesterday with pancetta, lightly-sauteed mushrooms, chopped spring onions and thinly sliced tomatoes as toppings. It turned out beautifully and the crust was perfect. I used a round pizza stone for baking.

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Gerlinde
5/30/2020 10:09:19 am

Thanks Rhonda , I like your toppings and have to try them. I think a pizza stone helps with the crust.

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Sonia Mangla link
5/30/2020 02:56:18 pm

The flatbread looks amazing! The freshly baked breads have their own charm. I will try this recipe soon. Thanks for sharing!

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Gerlinde
6/1/2020 06:27:46 am

Let me know how it turns out Mangla. Thanks for the comment.

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Vrishen Kumar link
6/2/2020 12:05:39 am

Very Helpful Article but I have a question that How many calories can our body get from eating?

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Gerlinde
6/3/2020 07:29:32 am

I think the toppings determine the amount of calories.

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Ron link
6/2/2020 04:54:21 am

Flammmkuchen was always my first meal when traveling to Germany. There was a place just down from the Frankfurt Hilton that served them with smoked salmon on top. That and a pint of Bitburger meant I was back in Germany.
Like David, I've never made one at home but will be giving it a try now.

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Gerlinde
6/3/2020 07:26:24 am

I never had it with lox Ron, it sounds good. I made the dough for another crust yesterday and used my Kitchen Aid , kneading it with the hook for five minutes. It was easier on my hands.

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Frank Fariello link
6/10/2020 03:19:44 am

This looks wonderful, Gerlinde! Very pretty and with an asparagus and prosciutto topping, very delicious, too, I'm sure.

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Gerlinde
6/10/2020 07:29:27 pm

It’s a new recipe I picked up and I am enjoying it.

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Jeff the Chef link
6/10/2020 07:55:41 am

I just want to go on record as the one person who has been to Germany and France, but has never had this dish. But it looks like a wonderful thing to make at home.

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Gerlinde
6/10/2020 07:31:11 pm

You are ok Jeff, there is so much good food and we can’t have it all.

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Zaza link
6/25/2020 05:07:59 pm

Hello Gerlinde, Try new activities to feel better like Tai Chi at home:) May be this sport could help you! Your Flammkuchen is making my mouth water! I would love one piece for my dinner:)
Hope you feel better in July!

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Gerlinde
6/26/2020 08:19:25 pm

Thanks for the tip. I did Tai Chi a long time time ago and liked it.

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valentina link
7/11/2020 10:00:16 pm

Yum! This recipe looks and sounds fabulous! Do you live in Santa Cruz? My brother lived there for about 25 years and I visited often. Such a great beautiful town. :-) ~Valentina

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Gerlinde
7/12/2020 08:05:42 pm

I have lived in Santa Cruz for almost 40 years and I love it.

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Pamela link
7/14/2020 02:16:27 pm

The fact that I haven't been to your post here until now tells you something about my experience with this "new world" we live in. It's affected me personally with my mother's death, and professionally, as I teach all of my writing classes on-line now, which somehow makes it harder for me to be on the computer afterwards (my eyes get sore). But your food (and your blog) is always a "sight for sore eyes." Your Flammmkuchen looks A M A Z I N G. Everything about it says "I'll have seconds." We also are avoiding TV as much as possible, and growing flowers in our garden, and tomatoes. Wish we could do more. Lots of long walks in the fresh air - fortunately it's summer here. In the winter I think I may go crazy (or as my family says, crazier). :-)

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Gerlinde
7/15/2020 09:03:02 am

Dear Pam, I can just imagine how difficult it has been for you to loose your mom through the virus and not being able to say goodbye or mourn with the family. Be gentle on yourself.

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E-HEALTHONLINE link
8/15/2020 12:12:25 am

VERY HELPFUL ARTICLE BUT I HAVE A QUESTION THAT HOW MUCH PROTEIN IN THIS FOOD?

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e-health online link
9/8/2020 10:10:55 pm

Hi! This is too fabulous food in look. I hope so it will be too yummy in taste.Really its delicious food love it.Thank you.

Reply



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