Tula pryanik facts for kids
A Tula pryanik with the Coat of Arms of Russia
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| Type | pryanik |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Region or state | Tula |
| Main ingredients | flour, honey, jam or condensed milk filling (optional) |
The Tula pryanik (pronounced TOO-lah PREH-nik) is a very famous type of Russian gingerbread. It comes from the city of Tula in Russia. These special treats often have cool pictures or patterns pressed into them. They usually look like a flat rectangle or a fun shape. Making these stamped pryaniki is seen as a true art form! The designs can show different patterns, symbols, pictures of the Tula Kremlin, names, or even happy messages.
Contents
How Tula Pryanik is Made
Making a Tula pryanik starts with preparing the dough.
Dough and Shaping
The dough is made from rye flour, honey, eggs, water, and spices. Once mixed, the dough is cut into pieces. Each piece is then rolled out flat.
Next, a piece of dough is placed onto a special wooden board. This board has a pattern carved into it. The carving presses the design into the dough.
Adding the Filling
After the first layer of dough is shaped, a tasty filling is added. This filling is placed on top of the first dough layer. Then, a second layer of dough covers the filling. The edges of the two dough layers are pressed together. This keeps the filling safely inside.
Glazing and Baking
The cake is then flipped over. This makes sure the cool stamped design is on top. A sweet sugar syrup is brushed over the surface. This syrup helps the picture stand out even more after baking.
Historically, each carved board was used for just one pryanik design. If a new design was wanted, a brand new board had to be made. In the past, skilled craftspeople made these boards. Today, professional artists often create the new designs.
Modern Ingredients
Today's Tula pryaniki often have a jam or condensed milk filling. Traditionally, the dough was made with honey. Sometimes, sugar is used instead of honey in modern recipes.
History of Tula Pryanik
Pryaniki have been made in Tula for a very long time. They have been a part of the city's history since the 17th century. The first time Tula pryanik was mentioned was in a Tula census book from 1685.
Today, you can find Tula pryaniki made at big factories. These include Staraya Tula (which means "Old Tula") and Yasnaya Polyana. Several smaller companies also make these delicious treats.
In 1996, Tula opened a museum just for its pryaniki. This shows how important they are to the city!
See also
In Spanish: Pan de jengibre de Tula para niños
