Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is preparing to bake the longest Stollen in the Middle East on December 16, 2006 at the Galleria, Mall of the Emirates. The Guinness World Record Attempt aims to showcase the skills and artistry of Kempinski’s Chefs in support of the Dubai Centre for Special Needs. Network International has also signed on as key partners of the event.
Kempinski will bake 250 metres of the traditional German pastry, and will be the longest ever to be baked and displayed in one piece. “This is a fun and exciting way of showcasing the artistry and skills of our chefs, however it takes a lot of hard work and ingenuity to put together an attempt like this,” said Michael Henssler, General Manager, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates.
Henssler also gladly announced that proceeds of the sales of the Stollen will be donated to the Dubai centre for Special Needs. “I am very pleased that this world record attempt is being done not just to break the record, but also to support the noble efforts of the self funded Dubai centre for Special Needs to help the children in need,” he added.
Dr. Mashid Salehi, Director of the Dubai Centre for Special needs, said “this is a great gesture from the management of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, the centre is very grateful for their support and on behalf of the students and the centre we wish them the best of luck in their record breaking venture.”
In baking the longest Stollen, Kempinski’s gourmet chefs will actually bake 500 pieces measuring 50 centimetres each. It is taking a team of eight (08) people fifty five (55) days working round the clock to bake the cake, a traditionally popular Christmas present.
“We will be using 55 tonnes of flour and 48 kg of fresh yeast, as well as 138 litres of milk, 600 eggs, 240 kg of butter and 66 kg of sugar as basic ingredients. We will then add Stollen spices, raisins, orange and lemon peels, marzipan, snow sugar, and cinnamon powder to give it that delightful flavour. The amount of ingredients that will go into baking this pastry masterpiece is staggering. The eggs alone are a year’s worth in terms of average consumption,” said Doxis Bekris, Executive Chef, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, who will be the lead Chef for the world record bid. “It’s a logistical and culinary challenge, but we’re up to it,” he added.
Mr. Ram Chari, General Manager, Network International said “Our partnership with Kempinski is aimed at encouraging the self funded Centre in its dedication and ongoing efforts to support children in need across the UAE. “
FACT BOX
About Stollen
Stollen is a bread-like cake traditionally made in Germany, usually eaten during the Christmas season as Weihnachtsstollen or Christstollen. Stollen (originally Striezel) was created in Dresden in around 1450, and the most famous Stollen is still the Dresdner Stollen, sold, among other places, at the local Striezelmarkt Christmas market.
Today the cake is available in many parts of the world. The true Dresden Stollen, however, is produced in the city and distinguished by a special seal depicting the city's famous king, August the Strong. This "official" Stollen is produced by only 150 bakers.
The largest Stollen was baked in 2000: it weighed 4.2 tonnes and is in the Guinness Book of World Records.
About Network International
Network International, the regions’ first ISO 27001 certified third party processing company & personalization bureau, offers the most secure, comprehensive and state-of-the-art card management solutions in both the Issuing and Acquiring segments of the card industry.
Based in Dubai, the leading EMV certified payment solutions provider plays a pioneering role in helping more than 30 banks and financial institutions across the region in developing highly flexible and tailor-made solutions for their customers with reduced investment costs.
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Kempinski’s prestigious portfolio comprises luxurious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. Each offers superior standards of service combined with a distinctive style reflecting the individuality of the property and its location.
Kempinski Hotels is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance, along with Omni Hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts and Rydges Hotels & Resorts. The Global Hotel Alliance offers customers an extensive choice of upscale and luxury accommodation, with over 150 hotels in 22 countries.
