Laufabrauð facts for kids

Laufabrauð

Before and after frying. A design based on the typical "V"-like flaps, although here the flaps do not overlap.
Type	Flatbread
Place of origin	Iceland

Various intricate designs

Child decorating laufabrauð before frying

Laufabrauð (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈlœiːvaˌprœiːθ], "leaf bread"; sometimes also called "snowflake bread" in English) is a traditional kind of Icelandic bread that is most often eaten in the Christmas season. Originating from northern Iceland but now eaten throughout the country, it consists of round, very thin flat cakes with a diameter of about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches), decorated with leaf-like, geometric patterns and fried briefly in hot fat or oil.

Laufabrauð can be bought in bakeries or made at home, either with ready-made dough or from scratch; patterns are either cut by hand or created using a heavy brass roller, the laufabrauðsjárn ([ˈlœiːvaˌprœiðsˌjau(r)tn̥], "leaf bread iron"). The most common pattern consists of rows of "V"-like flaps; each flap overlaps with the next one to form a braid-like design. The rows can then form a larger pattern, such as a snowflake or a letter.

Leaf bread making at home is usually a family undertaking and often an essential part of the Christmas preparations, where several generations gather and take part in the decorating.

See also

In Spanish: Laufabrauð para niños