Honey Cookies for St. Casimir’s Day

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For Lithuanians, March 4th is not only St. Casimir’s Day but a national holiday as well, as he is the patron saint of Lithuania. For the celebration of this feast day, many pilgrims came to Vilnius from various parts of Lithuania. After services in the cathedral, people lingered for Casimir’s Fair (Kaziuko mugė). Among other traditional wares and edibles were muginukai – a heart-shaped honey cookie, similar to gingerbread, decorated with icing patterns and the names of loved ones. It was a custom to bring some back for anyone who had remained at home. (From Lithuanian Customs and Traditions, by Danutė Bindokienė.)

RECIPE

1 cup honey

3 eggs

3 T. sugar

3 T. cream

4 oz. butter

½ t. cinnamon

¼ t. ground cloves

1 t. baking powder

½ t. baking soda

2 cups flour (or more, as needed, if dough is too soft)

Cream eggs with sugar, add honey, melted butter, spices and cream. Blend well. Mix flour with baking soda and baking powder stir into honey mixture. Knead until dough is no longer sticky, refrigerate for ½ hour. Roll out on floured surface, cut out hearts with cookie cutter or cardboard template. Bake at 350⁰ until golden brown (about 10-15 min.). Cool and decorate.


Another version of this recipe, using the same method, lists the following ingredients:

3 eggs

¾ cup sugar

¾ cup honey

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

½ t. ground cloves

½ cup butter or oil

¼ cup buttermilk

2 cups flour

Treat your family and friends on March 4! Skanaus♥