Traditional recipe for Χριστούγεννα ( Chri-STU-ghe-na =Christmas)
Traditional Greek recipes are quite numerous and vary a lot from area to area. For example, there are variations of recipes on the mainland and the islands but sometimes we encounter a totally different recipe particular to certain villages or islands. Also, keep in mind that the Greek Christmas dinner does not include any specific recipes as for example turkey and pumpkin pie are widely prepared for Thanksgiving in the United States. The recipes have been mixed over the years and are infused with elements from other countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Nonetheless, (Va-SE-lo-pi-ta= Vasilis’s pie/cake), is a cake in honor of Aghios Vasilis (the Greek Santa Claus), and its named after him.
On New Year’s Eve, families in Greece bake and then cut the Βασιλόπιτα to bless the New Year, their family and friends, their well being and the future, and to wish happiness for all the poor and less fortunate. Traditionally, a coin is baked into the Βασιλόπιτα and the one who gets it is supposed to be particularly lucky for the year to come.
Recipe:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted βούτυρο (VU-te-ro= butter)
• 1 cup ζάχαρη (ZHA-cha-re=sugar)
• 3 extra-large αυγά (av-GHA=eggs)
• Grated rind of 2 large πορτοκάλια (por-to-KA-lea=oranges)
• Grated rind of 2 large λεμόνια (le-MO-nea=lemons)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed/powdered sour cherry pits (Arabic mahleb, Greek makhlepi)
• 2 teaspoons crushed/powdered gum mastic (Arabic miski, Greek mastikha)
• 4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg yolk blended with 1 tablespoon milk
• sesame seeds
• blanched almonds
• a clean coin - a quarter will do nicely - wrapped in silver or gold foil
Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Thickly butter a 10-inch round spring form pan.
2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the butter until it is light and fluffy. Beat in the sugar and beat until the mixture is light. Beat in the eggs, one a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the orange and lemon rinds, and the crushed/powdered sour cherry pits and gum mastic.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together three cups of the flour, the baking powder and salt.
4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the dry mixture alternately with the milk. The batter will be very thick. Using a wooden spoon, gradually blend in the remaining flour, beating well until completely smooth.
5. Spread the batter into the pan, press the coin into the dough until it is completely covered (don’t let anyone see where you place it!), and then smooth the top. Brush the top evenly with the egg and milk mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Gently press the blanched almonds into the top to make a Cross and spell out the date of the Νew Υear!
