Česnica

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Česnica is a kind of soda bread made on Christmas morning, in Serbian tradition. A solid silver coin for health and good luck is placed into the bread. During the Christmas breakfast (being the most important meal of Christmas in Serbian tradition) family members break the česnica and the one who finds the coin in the piece of bread is considered to be most fortunate that year; however, the head of the family has to buy the coin so it stays in the house. Sometimes, there are other things put in česnica, like piece of badnjak, also called the Yule Log; good luck, hazelnut; health, plum; traveling, etc.

[edit] Recipe

Serves 16

7.75 C flour
3 T yeast
1 C shortening or lard
2 t salt
Warm water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine flour, yeast, shortening and salt.

Knead with warm water to moisten
Dough should be firm, not tacky. It should not stick to your hands.

Place dough on greased pan.

Cover and let rise in warm area for 10 minutes.

Pierce dough with fork.

Place clean gold dollar coin and spread dough flat.

Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.