Vasilopita

Ingredients for 1 servings:

• 1 kg flour (white flour)
• 20 g salt
• 1 packet of dry yeast
• 100 g sugar
• 100 g butter or margarine, cut into small pieces
• 3 eggs
• 2 orange(s), zest
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 pinch of nutmeg powder
• n. B. Milk, approx. 300 – 400 ml

Instructions

Working time approx. 30 minutes; Rest time approx. 1 hour 10 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 1 hour 25 minutes; Total time approx. 3 hours 5 minutes

Greek braid for New Year’s Eve

You may also need a silver or gold coin. Sift flour into a deep bowl, make a well in the center, and sprinkle the salt over the rim. Dissolve the yeast in a cup with a tablespoon of milk. Add the sugar and butter or margarine to the well. Lightly beat the eggs together and add them to the well along with the orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. Mix everything together to form a firm dough. Knead and beat for at least 15 to 20 minutes, until the dough is smooth and has small holes when cut. Place in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Knead briefly again and continue working as you would with a normal plaited loaf, perhaps ‘hiding’ a silver or gold coin in one strand—this is said to bring the finder good luck in the new year. Place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and let rise for another 10 minutes. Brush with an egg, if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C top/bottom heat for approximately 60 to 85 minutes. Do not open the oven door for the first 30 minutes.