Skerdikai

Skerdikai are traditional Lithuanian pastries, specifically crispy, deep-fried cookies or fritters. They are known for their unusual, often intricate shapes achieved by cutting and shaping the dough before frying. The shapes can vary widely, including geometric forms like squares, rectangles, and triangles, as well as more decorative patterns.

Skerdikai are commonly made from a dough that includes ingredients like flour, eggs, sour cream or kefir, sugar, and baking soda. Some recipes may include other flavorings like vanilla or lemon zest. The dough is typically rolled out thinly, cut into the desired shapes, and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. After frying, they are often dusted with powdered sugar.

These pastries are particularly popular during holidays and celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, and are considered a traditional part of Lithuanian cuisine. They are often served alongside other festive foods and desserts. The name "Skerdikai" is derived from the Lithuanian verb "skerdėti," which relates to cutting or shaping, reflecting the process of creating the distinctive forms of these pastries.