This holiday is actually called “Newlyweds”. In the Orthodox church, this holiday is dedicated to 40 soldiers from Sevastia who gave their lives for Christ. Mladencici (Newlywed sweet buns) are sort of ritual bread which is making each March 22nd. According to the old Balkan tradition Mladenci is a holiday celebrated by newly wed couples on March 22nd; that is those who got married after March 22nd of the previous year. A bride wakes up early in the morning to make these sweet buns and treats every child and guest who comes into their home. There is usually 40 round shape pieces of these buns and they symbolize long, happy and sweet life. After that bride is making this 40 cakes each year and share it with friends, family, neighbors.
It is sweet cookies with yeast, coated honey and sprinkled with ground walnuts.
RECIPE
- 500 g all purpose flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- pinch of salt
- 250 ml warm water
- 2 tbsp oil
- Honey
- Lemon
- Sift flour into a bowl. Add salt, make indentation in the middle of flour and break yeast into it. Add warm water to dissolve yeast. Add oil and knead until soft (not sticky) dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour. Cover with
- clean kitchen towel and
- let rise in warm place for about 30 minutes.2. Transfer risen dough onto floured surface and roll out 1 cm thick. Use
- round cutter and cut out 40 circles. Transfer them onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick each with wooden skewer several times and let rest for 30 minutes.3. Preheat oven to 180 C.4. Brush each cake with oil. Bake for 20 minutes (until nicely golden). Let them cool slightly and drizzle with honey.
