Štramberk ears
Štramberk ears (Czech: Štramberské uši) is a Moravian confectionery product made of cone-shaped gingerbread dough traditionally baked in the Štramberk and the surrounding area of Moravia. This product could be officially made and sold only at the city area since 2000. In 2006 there were six certified producers. In 2007 this sweet became protected designation of origin in EU as first in the Czech Republic.
Legend of origin
According to the local legend, this sweet is connected to Mongol invasion in 1241, when the enemy army laid the camp at the foot of the nearby Kotouč Hill. According to the legend, the local inhabitants dug the pond after a night storm and flooded the camp. As the water went down, in the place they found the bags of salted human ears that the Mongols used to cut off from Christians and sent them to their khan. Supposedly to commemorate this event, on the eve of Feast of the Ascension, the people baked this candy sweetened with honey and flavored with a secret mixture of spices.