THE ABBOT FROM ALSACE
Bernhard Buchinger (1606–1673) studied theology and philosophy in the French Lützel Abbey. After his ordination, he took on other roles, such as abbey secretary and head chef. During the Thirty Years' War, he left the Cistercians in Lützel and was elected abbot of Maulbronn Monastery in 1642. Just six years later, Maulbronn was secularized again. In 1654, Buchinger returned to Lützel and oversaw the reconstruction of the abbey, which had been ravaged during the war. He compiled a cookbook that even contained meat dishes, despite the order's strict rules.