Kyria Sarakosti is a wonderful tradition that helps us to mark the weeks of Nisteia / Great Lent with – a cookie!
Print the template with simple recipe and story here – Kyria Sarakosti Template.
Her story has many variations. In my family, this was the one we grew up with and that I love best!
Kyria Sarakosti
Her eyes and mouth are closed to remind us to fast.
The cross atop her head reminds us to always have Our Savior before us.
Her hands are folded in prayer and she has seven feet, one for each week of nisteia.
Each Saturday of nisteia, we break off a foot to mark the weeks until Easter.
On Holy Saturday, after the First Resurrection, we break up her body and sprinkle on the grass for the birds so that all of God’s creation can rejoice together
This recipe is for an edible Kyria Sarakosti though there are other versions that make her from an inedible salt dough. On Holy Saturday, when we finally broke off the very last of her feet and brought the rest of her out to the birds, we all understood that Easter/Pascha was really (finally!) here – a special tradition full of meaning and joy to share and continue with your families today
Again, just download the pdf for easy printing by clicking this link – Kyria Sarakosti Template.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- zest of 1/2 orange,
- 2 1/2 tbsp sweet red wine
- 1/2 tbsp baking soda
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cardamom well and set aside.
In large bowl, dissolve sugar in orange juice. Once sugar is completely dissolved, slowly whisk in olive oil. Add sweet red wine and orange zest. Whisk well to combine completely.
Add dry ingredients a cup at a time until ball of dough forms, comes away from the sides of the bowl and no longer sticks to your hands. Allow dough to rest, covered with plastic wrap or a dish towel and refrigerated, for at least 30 minutes. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut out pattern of Kyria Sarakosti above.
Glaze liberally with 1 tbsp honey mixed with 2 tbsp water and bake on cookie sheet for 20 minutes in 350 degree oven.
When possible, bake at least 2-3 days ahead of the first Saturday and let cookie rest and harden to help her make it through to the end of nisteia!
Kali Sarakosti!
