kniffles

From Alemannic German Knöpfli (“pastry similar to spaetzle”). Compare the verb knöpfen (“to button”).

IPA^(key): /ˈnɪfliz/

kniffles pl (plural only)

1. Egg dumplings or noodles used in German cuisine
   • 1987, Richard Irwin Rossbacher, Now Remembered: Living Pennsylvania History Through 1900, page 517:

     Ed enjoyed kniffles, sauerbraten, a glass of pilsener taken away from home and Cosey's sight...

   • 2004, St. John's Lutheran Church, 150th Anniversary, 1854-2004:

     Making kniffles for the sauerkraut supper, both at the church and in earlier years in my parent's house and hauling them over to the church in a big kettle.

   • 2008 October, Orange Coast Magazine, page 94:

     In a separate pan, mix flour and eggs into boiling water, then mix in what he calls the "kniffles."

• spaetzle