{Photo source: Fastelavnsboller via tine.no}
A semla or fastlagsbulle, laskiaispulla, vastlakukkel or fastelavnsbolle is a traditional sweet roll made in various forms for the annual carnival, Fastelavn in Scandinavia.
Fastelavn will be celebrated Sunday 2nd March 2014. Celebrate with us – This is our very best (and easy) recipe!
Ingredients
‘Fastelavnsboller’ Sweet buns (makes 16)
50 g yeast
3½ dl full fat milk
100 g lightly salted butter
100 g sugar
500 g plain flour
½ tsp cardamome
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
Vanilla cream filling
3 dl double cream
2 tsp vanilla sugar
1 dl strawberry or raspberry jam (alternative fresh berry compote)
Method
Heat butter and milk up to 37 C before adding the yeast. Mix in all ingredients. Knead by hand until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
After that, punch the dough down and make 16 round balls and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 250 C.
Bake until they are golden brown, about 8 – 10 minutes. Leave to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Whip double cream and vanilla sugar (use fresh vanilla if you can.)
Cut the buns in half, add jam and vanilla cream as filling. Top with icing sugar before serving. Happy Fastelavn!
