December 13th marks a special day in our Scandinavian calendar, a day when the dark winter is brightened by the celebration of Lucia Day. In our home, this day is synonymous with the delightful ritual of baking Lussekatter, or Lucia buns. These saffron-infused buns are not just a treat to the palate but a symbol of light and warmth in the heart of winter.

Our recipe for Lucia buns is one that has been with us for years.. But like many Scandinavian recipes, it varies from region to region, but the essence remains the same—a celebration of light, warmth, and community. We prepare a large batch of dough, infused with the rich, golden hue of saffron, letting it rest overnight to develop its flavors.

The next day is a flurry of activity as we shape and bake nearly a hundred small buns. Each shape carries its own name and story, adding a layer of folklore to our baking. Despite the variety, all start from a simple log shape, then folded and twisted into intricate designs, each crowned with a raisin or two for decoration. The process is time-consuming, but it's a labor of love—a way to connect with our heritage and pass down these stories and traditions to our children.

As the aroma of saffron and freshly baked bread fills our home, we're reminded of the importance of these rituals. They're not just about the food but about the gathering of family, the sharing of stories, and the celebration of our cultural heritage and traditions. On Lucia Day, as we enjoy these warm, golden buns, we are reminded of the light that shines even in the darkest of winters, a symbol of hope and renewal.

An integral part of this festivity is the Lucia parade, a tradition steeped in symbolism and beauty. The procession is typically led by a girl with golden hair, donning a white gown and a crown of live candles, casting a soft, ethereal glow. She is followed by others, all in white, singing traditional songs. These parades are a common and heartwarming sight in schools and eldercare centers, a way to spread light and joy in the community.

But that's a story for another time. For now, let's delve into the recipe for the heartwarming saffron buns, a staple of Lucia Day.

Lucia Saffron Buns (Lussekatter) Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 gram saffron strands

• 250 ml milk

• 100 g butter

• 500 g all-purpose flour

• 75 g sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)

• 1 egg

• Raisins for decoration

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Saffron: Crush the saffron strands lightly and soak them in a few tablespoons of warm milk. Set aside for about 15 minutes to infuse.

2. Prepare the Dough: Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter melts and the mixture is lukewarm. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Dissolve the yeast in the milk and butter mixture. Then add the saffron-infused milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix to form a dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest overnight in a cold room - or in the fridge.

3. Shape the Buns: The next day, divide the dough into pieces and roll each piece into a log. Shape the logs into traditional Lussekatt shapes, adding a touch of creativity with different twists and folds. Place a raisin at the center of each spiral or at the ends of the shapes.

4. Final Touches: Beat an egg and brush it over the buns for a golden finish. Preheat your oven to 225°C (435°F).

5. Bake the Buns: Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the buns cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, ideally on the morning of Lucia Day, perhaps as part of your own celebration or parade.

   These Lucia buns, rich with the flavor of saffron and the joy of tradition, are more than just a treat—they are a symbol of light and hope, a reminder of the enduring warmth that exists even in the darkest of winters.

On the shapes:

The artistry of shaping Lucia saffron buns, or Lussekatter, is deeply rooted in history, drawing inspiration from the swirls and patterns of Bronze Age ornamentation. Each shape not only adds a visual charm to these festive buns but also carries with it a whimsical name, often with playful or nonsensical connotations. Let's delve into some of these intriguing shapes and their unique names:

The Cross: This shape is straightforward, symbolizing faith and tradition. It's a simple yet powerful representation often seen in many cultural and historical contexts.

The Yule Pig (Julgrisen): Shaped like an 'S', this form is intriguingly named after a pig, a creature associated with feasts and celebrations in many cultures. The Yule Pig shape is playful and perhaps a nod to the festivity's indulgent nature.

The Golden Wagon (Guldkärran): This intricate design resembles a wagon or chariot, possibly drawing inspiration from celestial symbols or the mythological conveyances of the gods. It's a shape that conjures images of grandeur and mythical journeys.

The Sun Wheel (Solhjulet): Reminiscent of the sun's rays or a spinning wheel, this shape symbolizes movement, life, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. The Sun Wheel is a celebration of light, especially poignant during the dark winter days.

The Little Boy (Pojken): This shape, while abstract, is endearingly named as 'the little boy', perhaps signifying youth, innocence, or the joy of childhood, themes often cherished during holiday celebrations.

The Baby in a Blanket (Barnet i Filten): This shape likely represents a swaddled infant, a universal symbol of care, nurturing, and the continuation of traditions across generations.

The Beard of the Priest (Prästens Skägg): Perhaps the most intriguing, this shape could be a playful take on the dignified appearance of a priest, with a long, flowing beard, symbolizing wisdom and respect.

Each of these shapes, with their unique names and designs, adds a layer of storytelling and cultural richness to the baking of Lussekatter. They are not just buns; they are edible pieces of art, steeped in history and whimsy, bringing the past into our present celebrations in the most delicious way possible.