Christmas Cakes or the Swaddling Clothes of Jesus
Christmas Cakes - The Swaddling Clothes of Jesus
Welcome to the world of culinary traditions, where each recipe carries a story full of memories and emotions. Today, I invite you to discover the delicious recipe for Christmas Cakes, also known as the Swaddling Clothes of Jesus. These delicacies are not only a joy for the taste buds but also a symbol of communion and generosity during the holiday season.
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Rest time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 12-15 cakes
Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g white flour (choose a good quality flour for a more elastic dough)
- 250 ml water (warm water helps activate the gluten)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavor)
Ingredients for the filling:
- Grated zest of one lemon (this ingredient adds a fresh and aromatic flavor)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to personal preferences)
- 100 g ground walnuts (for a crunchy texture and rich taste)
- 100 g raisins (ideal for an extra touch of sweetness)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: Start by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the water, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous dough. It’s important not to add water too quickly to avoid a sticky dough. Once you have an elastic dough, cover it with a towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to develop.
2. Shaping the cakes: After resting, transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Roll the dough into a log and cut it into small pieces the size of a walnut. Each piece will turn into a delicious cake. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, being careful not to tear it. Use a well-floured rolling pin to prevent sticking.
3. Baking the cakes: Place the rolled sheets on a hot griddle or stovetop. Bake each cake for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn slightly golden. Patience is key here, as baking too quickly can lead to dry cakes. Once baked, let them cool on a cooling rack.
4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, combine water, sugar, and grated lemon zest. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves. This solution will be used to soak the cakes.
5. Assembling the cakes: Take two cakes and drizzle them with the water and sugar solution, ensuring they are well soaked on both sides. Place them on a serving platter and sprinkle ground walnuts and raisins between them. Repeat the process with the remaining cakes, creating delicious layers like a cake. Finally, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance.
Serving suggestions:
Christmas cakes are perfect for serving at festive meals alongside hot tea or mulled wine. They pair wonderfully with fresh cottage cheese or a spoonful of fruit jam, bringing a pleasant contrast between sweet and salty.
The story behind the recipe:
These cakes are more than just a simple recipe; they represent a tradition passed down through generations. In childhood, they were lovingly prepared by mothers and grandmothers, bringing family members together. Women would gather and bake together, turning cooking into a joyful community activity. On Christmas Eve, the cakes were blessed by the priest, symbolizing sharing and generosity.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of flour?
- It is recommended to use white flour, but you can try a combination with whole wheat flour for a richer taste and denser texture.
2. How can I store the cakes?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for a few days, but are best consumed within the first 2-3 days.
3. Can I add other fillings?
- Of course! You can experiment with various fillings, such as cocoa, cinnamon, or even assorted dried fruits to customize the recipe to your taste.
Nutritional benefits:
Christmas cakes are a good source of carbohydrates and, depending on the filling, can also provide vitamins from fruits and nuts. Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, and raisins add a boost of antioxidants.
Now that you have learned all the secrets to preparing these Christmas Cakes, don’t hesitate to try them! Whether you make them to share with family or to enjoy quietly, these cakes will surely bring joy to your home. So, gather your ingredients and let the magic of Christmas carry you away!
Ingredients: I would like to tell you about a tradition that is still kept today, in the area where I come from. It is about the Christmas Cakes, also known as the Swaddling Clothes of Jesus, or in other regions: julfa. When I was a child, my mother would make 100-150 cakes. She had to make them because we were many siblings, 6, and she had to share them as well. These cakes were not baked in a single day, but over several days. Women would help each other (relatives), gathering in groups of 3-4 to bake for all. On the evening before Christmas Eve, the cakes are soaked (you will see below), placed on the table in the good room, as they say in the countryside, and next to them is a bowl of water and basil, a candle, and a piece of thread (when I was a child, a ball of hemp was used). On Christmas Eve, the priest would come with the Nativity and bless what was placed on the table. After this ritual, we could eat the cakes we had been waiting for with so much eagerness. Also on Christmas Eve, rice with dried plums is prepared, and together with the swaddling clothes of Jesus, you had to give to relatives and godparents. This is the story of the Christmas Cakes! I keep the tradition even though I live in the city because it is a sweet that the whole family enjoys. Ingredients: for the dough: - white flour - water - salt for the filling: - grated lemon peel - sugar - ground walnuts - raisins.
