Sunday, February 11, 2024

SZERETLEK - HUNGARIAN VALENTINE SHAPED GINGERBREAD COOKIES ARE NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

Hungarian Valentine Shaped cookies are not just for Valentine's Day, but are also made at Christmas and for other evens.  Often of a honey or gingerbread cookie recipe, the decoration can be traditional motifs or quite elaborate.  If you're not talented with the icing, stencils are available so you can use some white powdered sugar over the set red icing.

This wonderful article from Atlas Obscura about decorating cookies will give you the full story of Hungarian traditions.

ATLAS OBSCURA - HUNGARIANS MAKE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GINGERBREAD by Anne Ewbank.

Excerpt: One of the reasons gingerbread is not solely associated with Christmas in Hungary is the popularity of these hearts.  Once traditional gifts from young men for their sweethearts, the hearts often feature small mirrors and the word Szeretlek, a declaration of love.  A girl might return the boy's regard with a gingerbread hussar, or soldier.


Image is from the linked article.  
Copyright Atlas Obscura 2018