December 12, 2010

Laufabraud: Leaf Bread or The Snow Flake Cake

A traditional leaf bread eaten mostly at Christmas time. The country of origin is Iceland. They are very thin flat cakes usually decorated with intricate cut- through designs that resembles snowflakes or other geometric designs. They are either done by hand or with a brass roller that makes a beautiful design. In Iceland , it is now a custom for generations that the entire family participate in the preparation and the decorating of this cake during the holidays. Admirable culture, I must say. I wanted to experience this cherished custom a bit so I came up with this. Made some similar designs I hope you will like. Here's how. The dough for the bread is stiff but still smooth and moist. For 4 cups of flour you need 2 cups of milk, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and oil for frying.






In a huge bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder and melted butter. Boil the milk and add  to the mixture. Stir thoroughly then knead to a firm but smooth dough. Divide into 16 equal portions. Roll each to a thin sheath approximately 8 1/4 inches in diameter and use an eight inch plate to cut around dough. Stack the rounds between wax paper.
I use a sharp pointed knife and other home made tools to cut  the designs.


Fry each one in hot oil to a slight brown crisp wafer. When done, put between paper towels and put a flat pan on top while the bread is still soft. Then it will crisp quickly but quite flat.

I took a picture of this one against the light to show you. One can really make simple designs that come out lovely when fried. Enjoy!

30 comments:

  1. WOW....Fantastic!!....this is pure art!!....Abrazotes, Marcela

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  2. Que creativo, hermoso trabajo da pena comerlos, saludos.

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  3. I just showed my husband this post and he too was in awe! I know I always say it but I love so much what you do with food!

    I find it all it so very beautiful...

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  4. Sono meravigliosi, complimenti sei veramente un artista!

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  5. I've never seen anything like that! It's an amazing work of art! It must be fun to have everyone around involved in doing this together at Christmas time!

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  6. That is so beautiful, I wish I had your abilities Arthur! I'm going to Tweet this post right now...

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  7. Very artistic! I'm well impressed ;0)

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  8. Wow! Making these must take so much dedication! I am seriously impressed...they are fantastic!

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  9. Por favor, ke maravilla, me has dejado con la boca abierta!!!, ke trabajazo pero el resultado merece la pena!!!

    Besossss

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  10. That's very impressive. Need lots of time and patience with this art.

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  11. wow... this is amazing! great talent you have here!

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  12. A masterpiece! I am seriously in awe of your creativity and patience.

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  13. These are fantastic. I'm really impressed with your skill and perseverance. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

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  14. It is so wonderful and creative..Thanks for stopping by my blog..You have such a lovely blog Art..Happy to follow your blog..

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  15. I'm impressed! These creation need talent and patience.

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  16. So so pretty - you're such an artist!!

    If I don't get to visit your blog until the new year (because I'm going away for the holidays and therefore will be offline), have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and happy holidays and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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  17. My god this is gorgeous! they are so pretty I almost wouldn't want to eat them!

    US Masala

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  18. These breads are gorgeous! I am so glad iceland sparked your interest; I have an old book on bread and baking that has some artistic things done with bread through various cultures but nothing like this; what an artist!

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  19. Very cool! You are so talented!

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  20. Your images and words makes these look so easy to make, but I know that you just gotta have a steady hand and loads of patience to cut out the designs! Very, very beautiful!

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  21. Thank you so much for calling into my blog and leaving such a wonderful comment.

    Your work is absolutely stunning , a definite work of Art ... as everyone has said Beautiful, and your photos are excellent.

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  22. Dea Michelangelo: I am so glad you stopped by my blog and commented, because it brought me over here to you. I am greatly impressed by your artistry. I will be back often. Susan

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  23. unbelievable and simply amazing..another beautiful piece of food art

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  24. Que lindas cosas tienes en tu blog, me encanto visitarte y gracias por pasar por el mío.

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  25. :)))
    I just Love to enjoy your work art pieces .. :D

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  26. These are beautiful! You have such patience to prepare these!

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  27. l vostro non è il cibo è arte! è che sempre lasciato mi ha colpito
    migliaia besossss

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