Štramberské uši (Štramberk wafer)
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CZO Štramberské uši is a wafer made according to a historic recipe from fine-ground flour, granulated sugar, whole eggs, water, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, and star anise) and honey or caramel. The dough is rolled or poured into a circular form (2 to 3mm thick, 9.5 to 12cm in diameter) and after baking is twisted into a cornet shape, which gives it the approximate appearance of a human ear. Taste and flavour is through the use of spices. It is unacceptable for the characteristic delicate flavour to be overcome by too much use of spices. It is not allowed to use any other chemical additives in the dough except of baking powder. Most frequently bags of 5 to 10 nonfilled are sold or filled with various mixtures, either long-life or intended to be consumed immediately
Geographical area
This is the cad astral town of Štramberk and its immediate surroundings
Method of production
The eggs are beaten with the sugar and then the flour, baking powder, water, spices and honey or caramel are gradually added. The dough is either poured onto a baking tray in a circular shape or is rolled out, cut into shape and placed on the tray. It is baked and twisted into a cornet shape while still hot. When they are cool the Ears are fitted into each other and packed into transparent bags
Link
Legends about the origin of Štramberské uši are linked to the Secret History of the Mongols, which was written 13 years after the death of the founder of the unified Mongol state — the great conqueror of the world, Genghis Khan. A detachment of Tatar troops surrounded Štramberk castle in 1241. Some of the citizens withdrew into the castle, while others sought cover on Kotouč Mountain. During the night before Ascension Day there was a great storm accompanied by torrential rain and a flash flood swept through the Tatar troops. Their camp was destroyed and those that survived hastily withdrew. However, at the site sacks of human ears that the Tatars had cut off their Christian prisoners were found. As thanks to God the residents made an annual pilgrimage on Ascension Day up Kotouč Mountain. As a reminder of those evil times Štramberské uši are still baked in Štramberk today.
Štramberské uši have been baked from time immemorial. In the past they were baked for the annual Ascension Day procession, while today they appear at festivals commemorating past events and at other occasions. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, and there is not a family in Štramberk that does not bake them. This custom does not appear in any other district and there is no similar legend linked to any other district. In order to maintain the tradition and keep the original recipe, but also to maintain the top quality of the product, since 1991 the town of Štramberk has been the owner of the national trademark combined with the text ‘Štramberské uši’ and the producers of the Štramberské uši thus mark their products.
Reference: The European Commission
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