In her book Lithuanian Customs and Traditions, author Danutė Bindokienė notes that the tradition of St. Casimir‘s Day cookies is remembered not only in Vilnius at the traditional St. Casimir‘s Fair, but as far away as Adelaide (Australia) and Chicago. In many Lithuanian communities abroad, their Scout groups would organize a fair at the local Lithuanian church or community hall, and sell home-made or store bought bagels, pastries and cookies as a fund-raiser, together with various crafts made by Scouts of all ages. This year, due to the pandemic, there will be a fair online at www.craftson.lt. In the meantime, let’s make some St. Casimir hearts for our favourite people. Any gingerbread dough recipe may be used, but “meduolis” or honey-cake dough is popular in Lithuanian kitchens. Here are two recipes, courtesy of Danutė Bindokienė.
Honey Cookie Hearts I
Ingredients:
1 cup honey
3 eggs
3 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. cream
4 oz. butter
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. cloves
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
2 cups flour
Method:
Cream eggs with sugar, pour in honey, melted (cooled) butter, spices and cream. Blend well. Mix flour with baking soda and baking powder, stir into other ingredients. Add flour if dough is too soft. Knead until not sticky, cover and refrigerate for one-half hour. Roll out and cut into heart shapes. Bake at 350o until golden brown (10-15 min.). Decorate once completely cooled.
Honey Cookie Hearts II
3 eggs
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup honey
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
½ cup butter or oil
¼ cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
Method: as above
