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Saffron Buns

These rolls and their shapes have an ancient history in Scandinavia.
Their history is a complicated mix of pagan Winter Solstice and Christian traditions.
Their shapes (see below) are pre-Christian but the buns are named after the Italian saint Lucia,
​who as the bringer of light has taken the place of the sun celebrations of old.
We think of them as sun-breads as the saffron adds a sweet warm glow of sunlight.
Picture
​What you need:
175 grams butter
500 ml milk
2 ½ tsp dry yeast
½ tsp salt
200 ml sugar
1 ½ gram finely ground saffron
1 ½ liter flour, about
Raisins
1 egg
Method:
Melt the butter and then add the milk, heat to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and saffron.
Pour the butter mixture into the bowl and stir until all of the yeast has dissolved and the liquid is a little frothy. 
Add the salt and enough flour to hold the dough together but no more; about two thirds. Too much flour will make the buns dry.
Cover and let the dough rise for about an hour.
Preheat the oven to 450° F (240° C).
Beat egg and add a tsp water, set aside.
Tip dough onto floured surface.
Cut off 1/4 size pieces one at a time, and work just enough of the flour into the dough so it can be handled, but no more. it will be a little sticky. 
Roll dough piece with finger, spreading fingers as you roll to lengthen the dough into long rope about 1/2 inch wide.
Cut off a 10 inch long piece and shape it into the desired design (See illustration).
Place the bun on a greased cookie sheet, about 20 per sheet and let rise another 30 minutes.
Brush the buns with the egg mixture.
Bake for 5- 10 minutes or until slightly golden. 
Let the buns cool just a little then push raisins into the center of each spiral. 
Picture
Traditional meanings. From left to right: 
1. lily flower
2. yule pig or boar
​3. ox
4. yule cart
5. sun
6 and 7. cat


  • Home
  • Herb and Spice Shop
  • Recipes by Spice Blends
  • Recipes by Category
  • Seasonal Holiday Dishes
    • First Spring Light
    • Spring Equinox
    • Summer's Dawn
    • Summer Solstice
    • First Harvest
    • Autumn Equinox
    • Hallows' Eve
    • Winter Solstice
  • Methods & Practices
  • Contact Us