St. Lucia Buns
St. Lucia Buns Recipe - Traditional Swedish Delight
Introduction
St. Lucia Buns, also known as "Lucia cats," are a traditional Swedish saffron bun typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. These sweet and aromatic buns are a staple in Swedish holiday celebrations and are often served on St. Lucia's Day, a festival of lights that marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden.
History
St. Lucia Buns have been a part of Swedish culinary tradition for centuries. The buns are named after St. Lucia, a Christian martyr who was known for her kindness and generosity. Legend has it that St. Lucia would secretly bring food to persecuted Christians in Rome, wearing a wreath of candles on her head to light her way in the dark catacombs. In Sweden, St. Lucia's Day is celebrated on December 13th, and St. Lucia Buns are a central part of the festivities.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Melt butter or margarine in a pan and add the milk and saffron.
- Warm the mixture to 37°C (100°F).
- Use a thermometer; the correct temperature is important!
- Pour the mixture over the finely divided yeast; then add the remaining ingredients (except for the egg and raisins), which should have a temperature of 21-23°C (72-75°F).
- Mix into a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough with a piece of cloth and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Knead the dough, divide it into 25-30 pieces and shape each piece into a round bun.
- Let the buns rest for a few minutes, covered by a piece of cloth.
- Shape each bun into a string, 15-20 cm long, then arrange the string in a suitable shape, such as an S or double S. Regardless of the shape, the ends of the string should meet.
- Press a few raisins into the dough.
- Cover the "Lucia cats" with a piece of cloth and let them rise for 40 minutes.
- Whisk the egg together with a few grains of salt, and brush the "Lucia cats" with the mixture.
- Bake them for 5-10 minutes in the oven at 250°C (475°F) until golden brownish yellow.
Variations
- Add chopped almonds or candied orange peel to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier and heartier bun.
- Sprinkle the buns with pearl sugar before baking for a sweet and crunchy topping.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to warm the milk and saffron mixture to the correct temperature of 37°C (100°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Allow the buns to rise in a warm, draft-free place to double in size before baking.
- Brushing the buns with an egg wash before baking will give them a shiny and golden crust.
- Serve the buns warm with a cup of hot coffee or mulled wine for a cozy and festive treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve St. Lucia Buns warm with a cup of hot coffee or mulled wine for a cozy and festive treat.
Cooking Techniques
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to develop gluten for a light and fluffy texture.
- Shape the buns into traditional "S" or double "S" shapes for an authentic presentation.
- Brush the buns with an egg wash before baking to give them a shiny and golden crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.
- Use dried cranberries or currants instead of raisins for a different twist.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for a convenient make-ahead option.
- Freeze the shaped buns before the final rise, then thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the baked buns on a festive platter and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar. - Serve the buns in a decorative bread basket lined with a linen napkin for a charming presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Enjoy St. Lucia Buns with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.
- Serve the buns alongside a cheese platter or charcuterie board for a festive appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover St. Lucia Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the buns in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of St. Lucia Buns contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of St. Lucia Buns contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of St. Lucia Buns contains approximately 5g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of St. Lucia Buns contains approximately 3g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
St. Lucia Buns are a good source of saffron, which contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Alergens
St. Lucia Buns contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Summary
St. Lucia Buns are a delicious and festive treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Summary
St. Lucia Buns are a delightful and aromatic Swedish treat that is perfect for the holiday season. These sweet and saffron-infused buns are a festive addition to any Christmas celebration and are sure to be enjoyed by all. Try making a batch of St. Lucia Buns this holiday season and share the joy of this traditional Swedish delicacy with your loved ones.
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for St. Lucia Buns. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Sweden. My grandmother, whom we affectionately called Mormor, was the one who first introduced me to the art of baking these delicious saffron-infused buns.
Mormor was a master in the kitchen, and she had a passion for cooking and baking that was unrivaled. She learned many of her recipes from her own grandmother, who had passed them down through the generations. The recipe for St. Lucia Buns was one of these cherished family traditions, and Mormor was determined to teach me how to make them just as her grandmother had taught her.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a cold winter morning, and the snow was falling softly outside. Mormor had already been up for hours, preparing the ingredients for the St. Lucia Buns. The kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting scent of saffron and freshly baked bread.
As I watched her work, I could see the love and care she put into each step of the process. She showed me how to mix the dough, knead it until it was soft and pliable, and shape it into the traditional twisted bun that gave the St. Lucia Buns their unique appearance.
Mormor explained to me that the buns were traditionally baked on St. Lucia's Day, a holiday celebrated in Sweden on December 13th. The buns were often served with hot coffee or mulled wine, and their golden color and fragrant saffron flavor were said to bring light and warmth to the darkest days of winter.
As Mormor placed the buns in the oven to bake, she told me stories of her own childhood, when she would help her grandmother make the St. Lucia Buns for the holiday. She spoke fondly of the time spent together in the kitchen, of the laughter and love that filled the air as they worked side by side.
When the buns were finally done baking, Mormor took them out of the oven and placed them on a tray to cool. The golden crust glistened in the soft light of the kitchen, and the aroma that wafted through the room was intoxicating.
Mormor handed me a warm bun, fresh from the oven, and I took a bite. The sweet, buttery dough melted in my mouth, and the delicate flavor of saffron lingered on my tongue. It was a taste unlike any other, and I knew in that moment that I had truly found a new favorite recipe.
From that day on, I would often help Mormor make the St. Lucia Buns, learning the intricacies of the recipe and perfecting my technique with each batch we baked together. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, of using only the finest ingredients and never cutting corners when it came to quality.
Over the years, I have continued to make the St. Lucia Buns, passing down the recipe to my own children and grandchildren. Each time I bake them, I am transported back to that cold winter morning in my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by love, warmth, and the comforting scent of saffron.
The recipe for St. Lucia Buns will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond between generations and the joy that comes from sharing traditions with those we love. And as I bake these buns year after year, I am grateful for the gift of my grandmother's teachings, and the memories we created together in the kitchen.