History of the Honey Cake (Medovik)

History of the Honey Cake (Medovik)

Medovik is a buisness card of Russian cuisine that has conquered the hearts and stomachs of the whole world. The very first mention of a honey cake belongs to the ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Then the recipe was very simple: flour was mixed with honey and left to rise for a month.

In the 12th century, the nuns of Germany invented the "great-grandfather" of the Medovik. It was a honey pie flavoured with nuts, spices and dried fruits. The pie migrated to other countries: France, Belgium, Italy. And everywhere the recipe was transformed, acquiring local features. The honey trend has not passed the Eastern Europe either. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia such pies were called medovnik - decorated honey bread in the shape of a heart. The Polish miodownik became the basis of the Russian Medovik. The history of the honey cake in Russia is more than 200 years old and is associated with a beautiful legend. Empress Elizabeth (wife of Emperor Alexander I) did not like honey, all the court chefs knew about it and never used it in recipes. However, one young, ambitious court chef wanted to be noticed and get famous. They received an order to create something new. Many desserts were served at the table but it was Medovik that attracted the Empress's attention. Layers of the most delicate dough and classic custard literally melted in her mouth. When Elizabeth inquired about the ingredients of the cake, the young chef could not answer. However, when he confessed that it was a honey cake, the Empress laughed and ordered to reward the brave man. Since then, honey cake has become her favourite recipe and has been present at every royal feast.

Today, the Medovik recipe is not much different from the palace version. This cake is served in all Russian restaurants but still the most delicious ones are the one prepared according to the recipe recorded by the grandmothers.