Icelandic Christmas bread
Description
The baking is simple and quick. Laufabrauð is a thin bread with airy patterns resembling leaves, hence its name—"leaf bread." The designs are made either with a sharp pocket knife or special tools (rollers, knives with angled blades, etc.). There are many different patterns, each with special meaning, or simply in the form of capital letters representing each family member. I invite you to join this ancient Icelandic tradition and learn the recipe. The pastry is ready. Serve at the table.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the necessary ingredients. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl.
- 2
Step 2
Combine the dry ingredients and sift them into a bowl. Bring the milk to a boil, remove from heat, and melt the butter in it.
- 3
Step 3
Pour the mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon. Let it cool slightly, then knead the dough by hand. Knead thoroughly until the dough becomes smooth but not stiff. Shape it into a thick "sausage," wrap it in plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
- 4
Step 4
Meanwhile, prepare parchment paper and a plate with a diameter of 10-15 cm. Mine is 13 cm.
- 5
Step 5
Slice into 4 rounds (30 g each).
- 6
Step 6
Roll out each piece into a very thin round, trimming the edges using a plate (diameter 15-20 cm). Place the rounds between sheets of parchment paper and cover with a damp cotton cloth. Then cut and roll out the next batch. The trimmings, to prevent them from drying out, can be fried and eaten right away. ;)
- 7
Step 7
Fold the flatbread in half, make diagonal cuts at equal intervals along the fold. Unfold and bend the flatbread in several places, then make cuts. Lift every other resulting flap with the tip of a knife, raise it upwards, and press it down with your finger. Prick the dough with a fork in several places. Store the prepared pieces between sheets of parchment paper and cover with a damp towel.
- 8
Step 8
In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Sear the patty on one side for several seconds, then carefully flip it using two spatulas and sear on the other side.
- 9
Step 9
Place the finished bread on a paper towel, blot it, and put it on a plate. Press down firmly with a heavy cutting board. Repeat the same process with the remaining crackers.
- 10
Step 10
These are the simple patterns we chose.
- 11
Step 11
Merry Christmas!