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  • Yulefest Ebooklet

Santa Lucia (St Lucy’s Day) 13th December

7th December 2017 by Louise

Lucia is a magnificent advent tradition in Sweden, for the music, white gowns, candles and the sheer beauty of the event – it is definitely worth seeing if you can, you won’t have to go far to find a Lucia celebration in Scandinavia at this time of year.

In the past, the feast of Lucia was celebrated during the Winter Solstice and while it continues to happen during the darkest part of the year, December 13th is the day officially given to Lucia in Sweden – with the days around it also being used to celebrate this festival of light.

Quite how St. Lucy worked her way into Swedish tradition is unclear but it can be traced back to Saint Lucia of Syracuse, (one of my favourite Italian places). December 13th was the shortest day of the year under the Julian calendar, which Sweden followed until the 18th century.

In today’s Swedish Lucia procession, the girl with the candle wreath is Lucia herself, the bright red band around her waist is said to symbolise purity. The other girls in white robes are her bridesmaids.

The Lucia procession traditionally would be held at home, with lots of singing and the girls and boys serving coffee and saffron buns and biscuits to their parents. The boys are star boys, known as “stjärngossar” They wear the long white robes too, but instead of the crowns, they wear white, pointy hats.

Lussekatter are traditionally eaten on the day of Lucia, these sweet yeasted rolls are served during the Christmas season, they are flavoured with golden saffron and juicy raisins and shaped into ‘Lucia cats’ These buns are also served at Glögg parties, a delicious and moorish mulled wine.

 

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Category: General, WinterTag: christmas, festival, festive, jul, nordic, saffron, santa lucia, scandi, scandinavian
Previous Post:Pepparkakor – Swedish Ginger Thins
Next Post:Lussekatter – Lucia Saffron BunsLussekatter

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When you have a list of things to do as long as yo When you have a list of things to do as long as your arm (currently making & assembling a wedding cake, see stories) but instead, just sitting and enjoying the sunset with a saffron bun! 

Finnish friend Helena reminded me of this pretty bun shape 😊 Thank you 🧡

You can find the recipe for these Saffron Buns in the link in my bio.

✨If you’re looking to buy Saffron I can highly recommend @attar_apothecary. The best quality I’ve come across [Not gifted]
Inspired by friends Abi @thesefourwallsblog and St Inspired by friends Abi @thesefourwallsblog and Steve @bruun.uk Festive Shelves.

✨Christmas crafting this weekend?✨

If you’d like to make these Christmas 🌟you can use any paper. I’ve used old magazines and wrapping paper. 

For example cut 2 squares measuring 15cm. Fold as shown. Mark 3cm on each straight side and cut. Fold & stick as shown. Stick the 2 stars together. Thread cotton through one point to hang.

Shelf & Acorn @bruun.uk 
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#thissimplescene #myeverydaymagic #feelfreefeed #thatauthenticfeeling #nothingisordinary #posttheordinary #mytinyatlas #seasonspoetry #songofseasons #poetryofsimplethings #simplethingsmadebeautiful #itt_deckthehalls  #mymonthofsundays #slowliving #mymonthofsundays #mutedandmoody #quietchaotics
#quietshadesofgrey #easydiy #nordickitchenstories
Brussel Tops with Fried Halloumi 🌿 If you haven Brussel Tops with Fried Halloumi 🌿 If you haven't tried these, you're missing out! 

I stir-fry mine with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing and a hint of raw honey, topped with crunchy pomegranate. The pickled shallots and chili add that extra zing. Pairing it with my current favourite @petersyard cracker: Pumpkin & Sunflower Seed. [Gifted]🍴
Not one but two posts from me today… In the Nor Not one but two posts from me today…

In the Nordic countries, it's customary to light a candle on the four Sundays before Christmas (Advent). For me, it's about embracing tradition over religion; I love the ritual and the warm glow of candlelight during winter. Friends and family may meet and toast the season with a glass of glögg (mulled wine) accompanied by pepparkakor and saffron buns. (More on Saffron buns next week!)

Happy 1st Sunday of Advent to those who celebrate ✨

What are your family traditions?
Morning! After a week of frosty scenes, today seem Morning! After a week of frosty scenes, today seems rather dreary and wet. Looks like it's going to be a cozy day of Christmas baking ahead!🎄✨
SPICED CHEESE & ONION BRIOCHE 1 large onion, fine SPICED CHEESE & ONION BRIOCHE

1 large onion, finely sliced
Olive oil for frying
1.5 tsp za’atar
0.5 tsp sumac
S & P
Soft cheese, ie. Camembert, Brie, Tallegio

Brioche (Enriched Dough)
400g strong white flour
220ml milk, warmed
6g fast action yeast
35g butter, room temperature
1 egg, lightly beaten
6g fine sea salt

Beaten egg for glazing
Sesame seeds 

1️⃣ Add the flour, yeast and salt to the bowl of a free standing mixer. Warm the milk to 38C and with the motor running on medium add the milk to the flour, follow with the egg, then the butter. Mix on medium for 5-6 minutes. Place in a bowl, cover and prove for 30-40 minutes or place in the fridge to use the following day if preferred.

2️⃣ Divide the dough into 8 and roll with a cupped hand into buns. Then with a rolling pin, flatten and roll into a disc shape. Place on a lined tray. Top each disc with cheese, then follow with the cooled onion mixture. Cover and prove for 30-40 minutes. Brush with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds
Bake in a preheated oven on 200C fan for 10-12 minutes. Eat warm. (Freeze on the day of baking). 
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#christmasfood #christmasbaking #bakefeed @britainsbesthomecooks_ #moodylight #brioche #feedfeed #recipereels #delicious #nordickitchenstories
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