Saint Lucia Buns Lussekatter Saffron Buns Recipes

Steps:

• The ingredients are the same as for cinnamon rolls, follow the same directions.
• Add the saffron to the liquid and mix.
• Add the egg as the dough is kneaded.
• Take a piece of dough, roll it out into a long string, thick as your finger and about 4-5 in (10-12 cm) long.
• Roll up both ends in opposite circles until they meet about midway.
• Place a raisin into the center of each circle.
• This is called a"lussekatt".
• Let the"lussekatt"'s rise about 30-40 min in a nondrafty environment.
• Baste with whipped egg and bake in 420-440 °F (200-225 °C), or until golden.

Steps:

• Melt butter or margarine in a pan and add the milk and the saffron.
• Warm the mixture to 37 oC (100 oF).
• 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 the raisins), which should have a temperature of 21-23 oC (72-75 oF).
• 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 form each piece into a round bun.
• Let the buns rest for a few minutes, covered by a piece of cloth.
• Form each bun into a string, 15-20 cm long, then arrange the string in a suitable shape, e.g. 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.
• Whip the egg together with a few grains of salt, and paint the"Lucia cats" with the mixture.
• Bake them for 5-10 minutes in the oven at 250 oC (475 oF) until golden brownish yellow.