Lahví

Lahví is a type of traditional Czech pastillage, which is a type of decorative sugar paste or marzipan used to create intricate designs on Christmas cookies and other sweet treats. The name "Lahví" is derived from the Czech language, where it is known as "lahve" or "lahví". Lahví is typically made from a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites.

Traditionally, lahví was used to decorate cookies and other sweet goods during the Christmas season in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. The most famous example of lahví use is the Czech Christmas cookie "vanilkový lahví". This cookie is a vanilla-flavored shortbread-like biscuit that is typically topped with a design made from lahví, which can include intricate patterns, trees, and other festive shapes.

In the era before the 20th century, lahví was a highly coveted ingredient in the Czech Republic, particularly during the Christmas season. To make lahví, one needed to first grind or pound almonds into a fine powder and mix them with sugar and egg whites. The mixture was then kneaded and molded into the desired shape. The lahví mixture was often colored with natural food coloring and shaped into various forms.

Today, lahví is a prized traditional ingredient in the Czech Republic, and its use in the production of traditional Czech Christmas cookies is an important part of the country's culinary heritage. Despite the advent of modern pastry and decorating techniques, lahví remains a unique and highly sought-after ingredient in traditional Czech baking.