Saffron Buns for St. Lucia’s Day

I made these saffron buns (original recipe here) for our impromptu St. Lucia’s Day celebration this year. They were fairly easy to make (setting the alarm to get out of bed and let the dough rise was the worst part), and they were very tasty. I was pleased to read that although they are traditionally served on St. Lucia’s Day (December 13), they are also served throughout the Advent season. Perhaps in years to come, we can make the celebration more authentic by having Clara serve us the buns in bed.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon plus 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (or 1 package)
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or quark if available)
• 2 large eggs
• raisins

Glaze

• 1 egg, beaten

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, saffron threads, and 1 teaspoon sugar until the milk begins to steam. Remove from heat and let cool until it’s still warm to the touch but no longer hot (about 3 minutes).
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk in the saucepan and let sit until foamy, 5-10 minutes.
3. Whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the milk mixture, eggs, butter, and sour cream or quark. Mix until well incorporated.
5. Knead the dough. You can do this by hand, but the dough hook of a stand mixer works well. Slowly add additional flour, a tablespoon at a time, kneading to incorporate after each addition. Do this until the dough is still a little sticky to the touch, but does not completely stick to your hands when you handle it.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. (Note: if you are going to let the dough sit in the refrigerator overnight, this is when it goes in.)
7. (Take the dough out of the refrigerator and) Let the dough sit in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, until the dough has doubled in size.
8. When the dough has doubled in size, gently press it down and knead it a couple of times. Break off a piece and form it into a ball about 2 inches wide (about the size of a golf ball). Roll the ball out into a snake, about 14 inches long. Then Curl the ends in opposite directions, forming an “S” with spirals at each end. Place on a lined baking sheet and repeat with the rest of the dough.
9. Let the dough sit for a second rise. Place in a warm spot for 30 minutes to an hour.
10. When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Brush the beaten egg over the tops and sides of the uncooked buns, and place the raisins in the center of the spirals.
11. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the buns are golden brown.