Scandinavian St. Lucia Bun Recipes & Traditions

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the tradition of St. Lucia Day, particularly focusing on recipes for St. Lucia buns and the associated customs. Participants share personal experiences, recipes, and thoughts on the use of saffron in the buns.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in a St. Lucia bun recipe that does not require saffron, citing cost concerns.
  • Another participant questions the omission of saffron, noting its high price.
  • Several participants mention that saffron can be found at grocery stores for a lower price than suggested.
  • One participant shares a recipe for pulla that can be adapted for St. Lucia buns.
  • Another participant describes their annual celebration of St. Lucia Day with their class, including making crowns and baking buns, while substituting cinnamon for saffron.
  • One participant reminisces about their experience wearing candles during the celebration at church.
  • Another participant mentions a local Swedish community that holds a traditional Lucia Day celebration.
  • One participant offers to help find a crown for the celebration.
  • Another participant highlights a store that sells St. Lucia-related items.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the necessity of saffron in St. Lucia buns, with some participants advocating for its use while others prefer alternatives. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to making the buns.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal traditions and experiences related to St. Lucia Day, reflecting a variety of cultural backgrounds and practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in cultural traditions or looking for recipe ideas related to St. Lucia Day may find this discussion relevant.

M
myinnerchef
Gold Member
Messages
288
I know this isn't a PC thing, but I'm wondering if anyone here is Scandinavian and has a recipe for St. Lucia buns that does not require saffron. My DD heard about this tradition from one of my cousins (her family embraced our Norwegian heritage) and wants to begin celebrating it in our family.

If you celebrate, how do you so? What do you use for the crown?
 
just curious why would you omit the saffron?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Teresa Lynn said:
just curious why would you omit the saffron?
Click to expand...

Because it's $300 per ounce.
 
You can get the quanity you need for the recipe in the grocery store. It is pricey but more like $18-$25. It doesn't take much to cook with.
 
Here's a link to a recipe for pulla. You can use this recipe to make the St Lucia day buns, or you can make these just as is.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Finnish-Pulla/Detail.aspx

Of course, you would just shape it into the St Lucia bun shape instead of creating a braid.
 
many grocery stores sell threads and its under $10
 
I celebrate St. Lucia Day with my 2nd grade class every year. (My B-day is the 15th, and I'm the oldest girl in our family, and I became enthralled with Lucia at a young age. I never could understand why Mom wouldn't let me walk around with candles on my head! LOL! Now that I'm grown we celebrate every year. The girls make construction paper Lucia Crowns, and the boys make star boy hats. The we bake Lucia Buns, bring our bathrobes and have a parade then eat and drink hot cocoa! Fun Fun! Anyway........when I started doing this I was put off by the cost of saffron too, and just substituted cinnamon in the rolls we make (figured the kids would like that better anyway since it's familiar). They are always yummy!! We let my bread machine do the mixing and first raising, then they each get some balls of dough and roll them out into "snakes" and then curl 2 together to make the double s shapes. Recipe is on my other computer, I'll post it when I can!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thank you, straitfan, that's exactly what I was looking for. I can't wait for the recipe.
 
I actually got to wear candles but I think I was 12 at the time and the oldest young girl at our church. I LOVED playing Lucia for the few years it was my turn!
 
Lucky you Erin.....your mom must have been nicer than mine! LOL! Here's the recipe I use every year! Saint Lucia Day Buns
We use a 2 lb. bread
machine to help us mix up the
dough. Ingredients:
1 Cup Milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup butter or margarine cut
up
4 Cups of bread flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons finely shredded
orange peel
1/4 teaspoon thread saffron
crushed (we used 1 1/2
teaspoons of cinnamon instead)1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 beaten egg
1 tablespoon water
16 raisins
granulated sugar (we used
powder sugar icing)Directions:
Add the first nine ingredients to
the machine according to the
manufacturer’s directions.
Select the dough cycle. When
cycle is complete, remove
dough from machine. Punch
down. Cover and let rest for 10
min.
Divide the dough in to 32
portions. On a lightly floured
surface, roll each portion into a
smooth 10 inch long rope. Form
each rope into an S shape and
curve each end into a coil. Cross
2 of these S shape ropes to
form an X. Repeat with the
remaining S shape ropes. Place
ropes on a greased large
baking sheet. Cover and let rise
in a warm place about 30 min.
or until nearly double.
In a small bowl combine the
beaten egg and water; brush
over buns. Place 1 raisin in the
center of each coil. Sprinkle the
buns with granulated sugar.
Bake in a 375 degree oven
about 10 min. or until golden
brown. Remove from baking
sheet; cool on a wire rack.
 
erinyourpclady said:
I actually got to wear candles but I think I was 12 at the time and the oldest young girl at our church. I LOVED playing Lucia for the few years it was my turn!
Click to expand...

We have a Swedish community about 40 miles away from here (Lindsborg), and they do the traditional Lucia Day celebration every year. They have a troupe of Swedish Dancers and one of the Senior girls gets voted to be Lucia and preside over the service. I've been several times and really enjoy it.
 
myinnerchef said:
If you celebrate, how do you so? What do you use for the crown?
Click to expand...

You've got me going now......They actually sell the crowns with battery candles in some of the shops in the little town I wrote about in my earlier post. Bet you could fine one on the internet, or let me know and I can probably get one and send it to you (but probably not before Saturday!)
 
There is a fabulous store that is in Lindsborg but also has a catalog and website...http://www.helmslojd.com

I know I was lucky to have the experience...my mom never got to and I was the only girl in our family.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are St. Lucia buns and why are they significant?

St. Lucia buns, also known as Lussekatter, are traditional Swedish saffron buns that are typically baked for the celebration of St. Lucia's Day on December 13th. They symbolize light and hope during the dark winter months, as St. Lucia is associated with bringing light to the darkness. The buns are often shaped into various forms, with the most common being the S-shape, representing the light of St. Lucia.

What ingredients are typically used in St. Lucia bun recipes?

The main ingredients for St. Lucia buns include all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, milk, yeast, and saffron, which gives the buns their distinctive yellow color and unique flavor. Raisins or currants are often added for decoration and sweetness. Some recipes may also include cardamom for an additional aromatic touch.

How do you make the traditional S-shape for St. Lucia buns?

To create the traditional S-shape for St. Lucia buns, take a piece of dough and roll it into a long rope, about 12-15 inches in length. Then, form the rope into a spiral shape by curling one end towards the center while keeping the other end extended. This creates the characteristic S-shape. Once shaped, the buns are placed on a baking sheet to rise before baking.

What are some common variations of St. Lucia buns?

While the traditional St. Lucia buns are made with saffron, there are several variations that can be found. Some recipes may use cardamom instead of saffron for flavor, while others may incorporate different types of dried fruits or nuts. Additionally, some bakers experiment with different shapes, such as braids or wreaths, to create unique presentations for the holiday.

What is the cultural significance of St. Lucia's Day in Sweden?

St. Lucia's Day is an important cultural celebration in Sweden, marking the beginning of the Christmas season. It honors St. Lucia, a Christian martyr who is celebrated for her acts of kindness and bringing light to those in need. The day is celebrated with processions featuring girls dressed in white robes, wearing wreaths of candles on their heads, and singing traditional songs. The St. Lucia buns are an integral part of this celebration, symbolizing the light and hope that St. Lucia represents.

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