A Greek friend of mine told me he made this yesterday ready for New Year, and I have to admit I was immediately intrigued. I absolutely adore Greek food. I have only been to Greece once, but always intend to return. It was such an gourmet inspiration, and I sampled some absolutely delightful dishes.
On New Year’s Day families cut the Vassilopita to bless the house and bring good luck for the new year. A coin is wrapped and hidden in the bread by slipping it into the dough before baking. A piece of cake is sliced for each member of the family and any visitors present at the time, in order of age. Slices are also cut for various other people or groups, depending on local and family tradition. They may include St. Basil and other saints, the Virgin Mary, the Church, the poor, the king (formerly), and the Kallikantzaroi, commonly translated as goblins.
Saint Basil’s Feast Day is observed on January 1, the beginning of the New Year and the Epiphany season known as the Vasilopita Observance.(Wikipedia)
The Recipe is one that was graciously given to me by another friend of mine, and she has given me the permission to post it here – minus one secret ingredient which she states is a family secret and will remain that way for some time to come!
Ingredients::
1 tbsp. yeast
1/2 cup warm milk
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
5 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
Zest from two oranges
Zest from two lemons
Washed coin, wrapped in foil, or small oven-safe trinket
Sesame seeds
Slivered almonds
A few drops of Mastika
Method::
- Combine the yeast and warm milk in a small bowl. Rest until frothy.
- Stir in one cup of the flour and allow to sit for an additional 30 minutes.
- Melt the butter and set aside. Beat together the butter and four eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the remaining flour and salt in a separate large bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the yeast mixture in the well. Mix well.
- Stir in the melted butter, egg mixture, orange zest and lemon zest, kneading until a dough forms, then kneading for about 15 minutes longer.
- Place the dough in a generously greased round cake pan. Insert the wrapped coin or trinket into the center, sealing up the hold afterwards.
- Cover loosely with a damp towel and allow to rise for about an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Beat the remaining egg with a bit of water and brush over the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and slivered almonds.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove from pan to cool completely on a wire rack.