On the first day of Advent, it is a Swedish tradition to take down all the Christmas things from the attic and bake Pepparkokor and Lussekattor. Then everyone goes out and window shops. This Sunday is known as “Skyltsondag”.

Today being the beginning of Advent, I thought I would share my Mom’s recipe for Swedish Pepparkokor. I hope you enjoy it. I’m headed upstairs to get out my Christmas decorations.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cloves
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup molasses

Directions: Sift first six ingredients together. In a separate bowl cream butter and sugar; add molasses. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Shape into 2 rolls and refrigerate overnight.

Slice rolls into 1/8 inch slices. Top with a slivered almond. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.