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Fat Tuesday Traditions: The Semlor Saga

Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is renowned for its celebrations and feasting, and for many, it's the last chance to indulge before the 40 days of Lent. Among the various traditions that mark this day, in Sweden, it is synonymous with semlor, or hetvägg: decadent cream-filled buns that date back centuries.

The Swedish Semlor

Semlor, or semla in the singular form, are often described as "Fat Tuesday buns" (fettisdagsbulle) and have evolved over time into a modern treat that typically features whipped cream and almond filling. Historically, however, these buns were served in warm milk. The origins of semlor can be traced back to Sweden's culinary history, and today's exploration leads us to a recipe rooted in the 18th century.