These lark buns are traditionally baked in
Russia each year to celebrate the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. There are forty
buns to celebrate each of the forty martyrs. The larks are the first bird to
arrive in Russia each spring, and the feast day of the Forty Martyrs falls
during Lent, so the buns also celebrate the arrival of spring.
Recipe: serves 40
6 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 sticks margarine
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups warm water
1 package dry yeast
orange zest, to taste
raisins, for eyes
Mix the warm water, yeast,
sugar, and enough of the flour so that you have a batter about as thick as sour
cream. Let the batter sit until it has risen slightly and is bubbly.
Add the rest of the flour, the
margarine and the orange zest (if using). Knead well (about ten minutes). Place
in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled in size.
Using a knife or pastry
cutter, divide the dough into 40 pieces. Roll each piece into a long hot dog
shape. Tie each piece into a knot. Make one end into the shape of a head for
the bird by pinching a beak. The other end will be the tail feathers … with a
knife create that look. Put a raisin on each bird for the eye.
Place on a greased baking
sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes at 325 degrees.
Source: http://stnektariosroc.org/2015/03/lark-buns-zhavoronki-recipe-for-the-40-martyrs-of-sebaste/
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