Štramberské uši

Štramberské uši is a baked product made from flour, sugar, eggs, water, baking powder, honey or caramel, and spices such as cloves, aniseed, cinnamon, and star anise. After baking, the dough is twisted into a cone shape, making it look like a human ear (uši means ears in Czech). The final product should be light brown, firm, with a balanced, delicate taste that is not overpowered by spices. The invention of uši is linked to a legend that tells a story of how a great storm swept through the Tatar troops who surrounded Štramberk castle in 1241. As the troops withdrew, the citizens of Štramberk found bags of human ears, which were presumably cut from the Christian prisoners. As a symbol of gratitude to God, the citizens started the tradition of baking uši, initially for the Ascension Day procession, while today they are commonly enjoyed on various special occasions.