Lussekatter are Saffron buns from Sweden that are traditionally made on Santa Lucia day (December 13). Santa Lucia day celebrates the courage of Santa Lucia who was brave enough to provide Christian prisoners with food. In order to light the way through the dark and humid tunnels of the Roman catacombs, Santa Lucia wore a wreath with candles atop her head.
Ingredients:
3 oz. unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups of warm milk
1/4 teaspoon saffron
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 packet active, dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 organic egg
Directions:
Use a pestle and mortar to grind up the saffron.
Combine the warm milk, melted butter, ground saffron, and packet of yeast in a medium sized bowl. Combine.
Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Use a stand mixer or your hands to knead the dough for 10 minutes.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 45-60 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shape your Lussekatters into S-shaped buns or ribbons. Add two raisins to the edges of each bun and coat your buns in egg yolk wash.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
Comments