Laskiaispulla

Closely resembling Swedish semla, this sweet Finnish pastry is prepared with yeasted, cardamom-spiced dough that is shaped into buns and baked until golden. Each bun is cut in half and filled with strawberry or raspberry jam and whipped cream. Following the Swedish tradition, fruit jams are occasionally replaced with a layer of creamy almond paste. Laskiaispulla is traditionally associated with Shrove Tuesday, but it is a popular mainstay throughout the winter season. It is usually served decorated with powdered or coarse sugar.