Please Golby Vin Glibleheimer

Alright, let’s talk about this one. The Vin Glibleheimer started as a late-night daydream, a way to conjure up a memory of a childhood Christmas spent with my grandmother in Germany. It’s a little bit about transformation – about taking a simple, rustic bread and making it *feel* like something extraordinary. It’s a subtle spice, a little bit dark, but ultimately very warm. The paprika is key, a generous dusting, a little bit like the dusting on a forgotten fairytale.

This recipe isn’t about precise measurements – it’s about feeling the ingredients, letting them whisper their stories. It’s a bit of an undertaking, really. Don’t be intimidated!

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 1/2 cups (150g) Rye Bread, preferably a rustic loaf (the older, the better!)
   • 1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted Butter, softened
   • 1/2 cup (100g) Dark Brown Sugar, coarsely chopped
   • 1/4 cup (60ml) Dark Cherry Preserves (the *best* dark cherry preserves – the ones with a little bit of tartness – this is crucial!)
   • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Orange Juice
   • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika adds a gorgeous depth)
   • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
   • 1/4 teaspoon Cloves
   • Pinch of Nutmeg
   • 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom
   • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
   • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
2. Instructions:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cub the bread into a rectangle.
   • Spread softened butter evenly over the bread.
   • Sprinkle generously with dark brown sugar.
   • Dot with dark cherry preserves, and then sprinkle with paprika.
   • Drizzle with orange juice.
   • Sprinkle with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and slightly puffed.
   • Let cool slightly before slicing.
3. Golby’s Secret Touch: While baking, *carefully* drizzle a *tiny* amount of a dark, slightly shimmering honey (about 1/4 teaspoon) over the top of the bread before serving. It adds a little visual magic, a little warmth, and that unsettling *je ne sais quoi*.

Now, let’s move on to some other holiday treats. We’re thinking of the feeling of *Friday* - a little melancholy, a little comfort, a lot of spice.

1. Holiday Halal/Kosher Ham – Cranberry & Apple Bundles: A classic, but Golby elevates it. We’re using a slightly aged sourdough, not too sweet, but with a lovely tang. The cranberry and apple are spiced with a bit of ginger and cardamom, and topped with a generous dusting of paprika. It's about honoring tradition, but with a twist. (Recipe available at the end of this post.)
2. Holidy Rum and Eggnog – Spiced Gingerbread Muffins: Warm, gooey gingerbread spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and a whisper of orange. The eggnog is dark, intensely rich, and infused with a subtle rum. Each muffin is dusted with paprika. It’s a bittersweet nostalgia – like a warm memory. (Recipe details in the end of the post.)
3. Panettone – Italian Sweet Bread with a Layered Spice Blend: This isn’t just any panettone. We’re taking a traditional recipe, but adding a few surprising elements. The dough has been gently coaxed into a slightly rustic texture, and a layer of dark, smoked paprika is brushed across the surface. It's a little bit decadent, a little bit rustic, and undeniably delicious. (Recipe available at the end of the post.)

Don’t be afraid to experiment! The most important thing is to let the ingredients speak to you. Think about the history of the dish, the memories it evokes. And, of course, don't forget the paprika!

Happy cooking, and may your holiday be filled with warmth and a touch of unsettling, wonderful magic.