Flammkuchen is a specialty of alsace, which lies on the border of france to southern germany, that is closely related to bavarian rahmfleckerl and, of course, pizza. Originally, flammkuchen (or "Flame cake") was a bit of dough rolled flat, covered in sour cream and baked in two to three minutes in a very hot wood-fired oven in order to check the oven's temperature and suitability for baking bread and other items. Often burned at the edges, it has made a comeback as a fast-food goodie covered with all sorts of toppings like bacon and onions.