Heart-Shaped Cakes (Little House)

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and nutmeg.

3. 3

   With cold fingers (dipped in cold water and dried), rub the cold lard into the dry ingredients.

4. 4

   Make a well in the center, add buttermilk, and work with one hand into a dough that can be rolled out.

5. 5

   Dust rolling surface with flour. Shape the dough into a ball and roll it out into an 8 inch circle.

6. 6

   With a table knife dipped in flour, cut the circle in half, then the halves in thirds, to produce six equal wedges. Shape each wedge into a heart.

7. 7

   Grease baking sheet and place hearts on it so they do not touch. Bake for 15 minutes, until cakes are puffy and nicely browned.

8. 8

   Remove from oven and sprinkle tops immediately with sugar (the crystals will melt slightly and stick).

9. 9

   When cool, wrap with blue tissue paper, the traditional wrapping of white sugar crystals, for gift giving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.