Milleinä

Milleinä is a traditional Finnish pastry known for its delicate, rolled layers of dough. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, with various adaptations emerging over the centuries. The name "milleinä" is derived from the French word "mille-feuille," meaning a thousand layers, which refers to the pastry's characteristic sheets of dough and butter.

The dough used to make milleinä typically consists of flour, water, and butter. Unlike some other Finnish pastries, milleinä does not rely on yeast for leavening, allowing it to maintain a distinctive appearance. The dough is said to be similar to a mixture used in other traditional pastries, such as korvapuusti.

One characteristic of milleinä is its rich butter content, which contributes to its unique texture and flavor. The pastry's layers are a key feature, often alternating between dough, butter, and in some cases, a filling such as pastry cream or fruit.

Throughout the year, milleinä can be enjoyed as a sweet or savory treat, particularly during special occasions. It is often associated with Eestro, the 13th day of the first moon, although this is a relatively minor celebration in modern Finnish culture. Due to its aniseed flavors and layers, milleinä has also been compared to other sweet pastries like danish.

Finnish recipes for milleinä typically specify a specific ratio of ingredients and the number of dough layers. Preparation involves meticulous layering of dough and butter, resulting in the visually appealing and delicious milleinä.