The traditional shaker churek cookie from Azerbaijan is one of the most popular cookies in the country. It is almost always baked during Nowruz, a feast to celebrate the beginning of spring. The preparations for this celebration often start 4 weeks in advance. Every Tuesday of the month before Nowruz, festive rituals are performed that relate to the four elements: water, earth, fire and air. During the evening before Nowruz it is the tradition to eat seven dishes that start with the letter S....
