When the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warm and inviting aromas drifting from your kitchen as you whip up some festive treats. One classic Swedish Christmas baking recipe that will bring joy and coziness to your home is Smördegsljusstakar – Puff Pastry Candles. These delightful puff pastry candles not only look charming but also taste delicious, making them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or a cozy evening by the fire.
**Smördegsljusstakar – Puff Pastry Candles**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten
– Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
– Red and yellow food coloring
– 4 wooden skewers or sticks
– Parchment paper
– Piping bag
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, creating a rectangle shape.
3. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 8 equal-sized strips lengthwise.
4. Take 4 strips and gently twist them to form a spiraled design, similar to a candle.
5. Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the twisted pastry strips with the beaten egg.
7. Mix a few drops of red food coloring with a small amount of water and use a brush or your fingers to “paint” the top part of the twisted pastry strips to resemble candle flames.
8. Sprinkle the painted area with granulated sugar for a sparkling effect.
9. In a piping bag, mix a drop of yellow food coloring with water and pipe small dots of yellow “flame” onto the red section of each pastry candle.
10. Take the remaining 4 strips and cut them into smaller pieces to create candle holders. Attach them to the bottom of the twisted pastry candles to form the complete candle shape.
11. Insert wooden skewers or sticks into the bottoms of each puff pastry candle to create the appearance of a candlestick.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
13. Let the puff pastry candles cool slightly before serving.
These Smördegsljusstakar – Puff Pastry Candles will not only add a touch of whimsy to your Christmas table but will also delight your family and guests with their flaky, buttery goodness. You can customize the look by experimenting with different food colors or decorations to fit your holiday theme. Serve these delightful treats alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a truly festive experience.
Allow yourself to indulge in the joy of holiday baking and share the love with your friends and family by trying out this charming Swedish Christmas recipe. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to bring a magical touch to your celebration. Enjoy the process of creating these Puff Pastry Candles and watch as they illuminate your holiday gatherings with warmth and cheer. Happy baking!
