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Sylvia Schmidt
Lidl's Choco Softies Review |
Dear Nicey,
As in so many cases, there is no getting around the original with this kind of confection. Super Dickmann's are by far the best Schaumkuesse (as they are now called, in politically correct terms) in existence. And yes, I do consider myself something of an expert! The chocolate covering of a real Super Dickmann's is actual dark chocolate - or a very good approximation - rather than some strange pseudo-chocolate, the filling is fluffier and yummier, and the wafer base is crisper.
The small Mini Dickmann's have been feted since their first appearance on the market and have only risen in popularity since, particularly as party food (for grown-ups, as well!). I suspect this is because their convenient size makes them easy to pop into your mouth without sticky fingers and messy eating practices, both of which are sometimes involved when an amateur attempts to eat a real Super Dickmann's. They also come in three varieties - dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate - which means they can be pleasingly arranged on a buffet or such. However, the covering is pseudo-chocolaty, thicker and not nearly as good, and the wafer base is not crisp, and therefore these little fellows can't really compete with their big brothers when push comes to shove.
To conclude, you should not give up your quest to try Super Dickmann's until you have tasted the original. Choco Softies will not give you an adequate idea of what a glorious thing a Schaumkuss can be.
In the interest of science, I will add that I utilize two different eating techniques, depending on the occasion. At home, when no-one is watching, I set the Dickmann's on a small plate, lift off the top with a spoon, and spoon out most of the interior before eating the chocolate covering with just a bit of soft white fluff left attached. I suspect this method is unique. When in polite company, I utilize the common eating strategy of nibbling off the chocolate entirely or in part before proceeding to the filling.
By the way - the wafer base is one of the best parts in my opinion and should not be carelessly discarded!
Sylvia |
Nicey replies: If ever I encounter a pack of genuine Super Dickmann's then I won't be shy. |
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Astrid
Lidl's Choco Softies Review |
Dear Nicey,
Having read your (very old, I know) review of the Lidl Choco Softie/ Super Dickmann and the attached feedback with interest, I'm astonished to find that non of my fellow country people have yet mentioned the ecological niche is DOES actually live in (after Carola already made clear which one it's definitely not in, namely that of the Tunnock's Tea Cake).
Now, the niche it IS in is - party food, thus probably partly reflecting the idea of sea side snack that someone opined. One of the main justifications of the Dickmann's existence is a kiddie party game that has kept German birthday boys and girls happy for generations named Negerkusswettessen (Dickmann Eating Competition). Each child is issued with a standard sized Super Dickmann/ Choco Softie and has to eat it of the plate without using their hands. The first one to finish wins. It's an extremely messy pastime, and great fun too. :-D
The other main ecological niche for the Dickmann is to provide sustenance for schoolchildren in the eight to 15 age bracket, here in the shape of the Negerkuss- or Matschbrötchen (Dickmann or Mud Roll). Here, a Dickmann is inserted between two halves of a roll and, squeezed flat and immediately eaten. Excellent schoolbus breakfast, particularly if your local bus stop happens to be outside a bakery - and yes, all over Germany bakeries readily cater for this demand, buying Dickmanns in if they don't make their own anyway. I recommend justifying your next Lidl run with necessary research into that concoction, I guarantee the younger members of staff will be nothing short of delighted. Also, I have to admit that even at the ripe old age of 32 I will occasionally get a packet of them and deftly insert them into rolls for consumption - I'm in Ireland now and bakeries here don't do them.
BTW - don't let anyone tell you the word Negerkuss has gone out of use. Of course it's extremely politically incorrect, but so far that hasn't stopped anyone from referring to that piece of confectionary by this name. Google "negerkuss" and see for yourself.
HAPPY EATING!
:-)
Astrid
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Carola Langford
Lidl's Choco Softies Review |
Hi
Well, I've been eating these for nearly 50 years!
The Dickmann quite rightly used to/is still called Negerkuss or Mohrenkopf (Negro's head), not very PC!
They used to be (and in some places are still) freshly made by bakers; sometimes you see them with a sprinkling of coconut on the chocolate. And you can get them with white chocolate and milk chocolate. But the proper ones have a dark chocolate covering, and are big.
When I was a kid in Germany they were not for eating but we'd squash them into some unsuspecting victim's face. All German kids love them.
When I first moved to the UK you could not buy them here, and one year my sister took pity and posted a box to me - unfortunately this was in the pre-bubble wrap days. I'll admit that I was so desperate that I used a teaspoon to scrape the remains out of the box. Sad or what?!
The proper way to eat them is to carefully peel off the chocolate covering, eat that first, and then slowly eat the white stuff. The wafer is just a "tray" and can be discarded.
But they are definitely not to be eaten with a cup of tea! Best eaten on your own, the whole box. Guten Appetit ! |
Nicey replies: Yes I had understood that they changed the name. It sounds like a very similar operation to eating a chocolate teacake.
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Andreas Kissel
Lidl's Choco Softies Review |
hi there,
In addition to your biscuit review about "mini dickmanns" and your plea for more information about "super dickmanns" i'm happy to help.
Please sit down and hold your breath for a bit because i'd like to present to you the: "super dickmanns - dicker meter" (meaning "big metre").
hopefully someone will get them on a plane for you soon.
best regards from germany - not only the country of schnitzel and beer, but also "super dickmanns".
yours
andreas kissel
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Nicey replies: Andreas,
The whole German nation should be very proud indeed of what they have achieved here, please pass on Wifey and I's warmest regards to them. |
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Rachael Oliveck
Lidl's Choco Softies Review |
Am in agreement with Tracey. In Switzerland these biscuits used to be called Tetes de Negre. Highly offensive and I believe they are now called something else. I have been tempted by all the reviews and will be buying some tonight.
Rachael |
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