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Introduction: As the New Year approaches, many Greek families worldwide prepare to uphold a cherished tradition – baking and cutting the Vasilopita. This special cake, more than just a delicious treat, carries with it a story steeped in history and a ritual that symbolizes hope and fortune for the year ahead.
The History of Vasilopita: The tradition of Vasilopita can be traced back over 1600 years to Saint Basil the Great, the archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. The custom originates from ancient festivals and has evolved over centuries. According to legend, Saint Basil called upon the citizens of Caesarea to gather funds to prevent a siege, leading to the creation of the Vasilopita with hidden coins or jewels as a way of distributing wealth discreetly.
The Ritual of Cutting Vasilopita: On New Year’s Day, families gather to cut the Vasilopita. This ceremony is not just about slicing a cake; it’s a symbolic act. A coin is hidden within the cake, and the person who finds it in their slice is said to be blessed with good fortune for the year. Pieces are also allocated symbolically to Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saint Basil, and often absent family members.
Modern Celebrations and Variations: While the core elements of the Vasilopita tradition remain, regional variations exist in its preparation and celebration. From sweet bread to cake, each household has its unique recipe, passed down through generations.
Conclusion: Vasilopita is more than a culinary delight; it’s a ritual that binds families, reflects a rich cultural heritage, and offers a moment of communal hope and joy. As you cut into your Vasilopita this New Year, remember the story of Saint Basil and the centuries of tradition that this simple cake represents.
Recipe
Ingredients for Vasilopita
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 250 grams Lurpak butter
- 400 grams sugar
- 1 level teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 2 vanilla sachets
- Zest from 1 unwaxed orange
- 5 eggs, separated
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 120 grams orange juice
- 120 grams milk
- 80 grams cognac
- 200 grams coarsely chopped walnuts
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Preparation
- Ingredients like butter, walnuts, and orange juice create an incredible Vasilopita that will fill your home with a lovely aroma when you make this recipe. Add Christmas decorations for an even more impressive result.
- All ingredients should be at room temperature.
- Sift the flour with the baking powder and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 170ºC using heating elements. Bake on the lower rack.
- Generously butter a preferably 28 or 30 cm baking pan with 6-7 cm high sides.
- Line the pan with non-stick baking paper to easily unmold the cake after baking.
For the Mixture
- In a mixer bowl, mix the softened butter with the fine crystal sugar.
- Beat with a whisk until fluffy and creamy for a few minutes.
- After the sugar dissolves and the mixture creams, add cinnamon, cloves, vanillas, and orange zest.
- Add the egg yolks one by one, allowing each to be absorbed by the mixture before adding the next.
- In a deep bowl, with a hand mixer, beat the egg whites with salt on medium speed until the meringue forms soft peaks that stand (about 2-3 minutes). Set the meringue aside for a while.
- Reduce the mixer speed to 1.
- Dissolve the baking soda in the orange juice and add to the mixture.
- Alternately add the sifted flour with the milk and cognac, starting and ending with flour.
- Add the coarsely chopped walnuts.
- Gradually add the meringue and gently fold the mixture with a soft spatula to retain volume.
- Pour the mixture into the pan. Add the coin (flouri).
- Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour. To ensure it’s baked, insert a knife in the center. If the blade comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Allow standing in the pan for 15 minutes to cool slightly.
- Turn it over onto a large platter.
- Remove the non-stick paper and let it cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar. If you want to write wishes on the Vasilopita, make an easy glaze.
Tips
- For a fluffy and airy texture, do not over-mix the batter once the flour is added.
- When dissolving the baking soda in the orange juice, do it over the mixer bowl as it foams and spills.
- Toss a spoonful of flour with the walnuts before adding them to the mixture to distribute them evenly.
- Pay attention to baking; if not well baked in the center, it will sink after removing from the oven.
- To prevent cracking on the surface, ensure the mixture fills 3/4 of the pan, allowing room to rise without being constrained in a small pan.
- This is a large recipe. For a smaller Vasilopita, halve all the ingredients; 5 eggs become 2 large eggs, and the ideal pan size is 23 or 25 cm.
- For baking with air or resistance heating elements, 160ºC is suitable for air, but be aware that air can quickly create a hard crust externally without properly baking the inside, leading to potential underbaking or cracking.
Preservation
- You can bake the Vasilopita and, after cooling well, wrap it in film and freeze it for 2-3 months. Or, leave it well covered on your kitchen counter for a few days. Decorate it last minute, a few hours before cutting.
- For an extra touch, make this divine meringue glaze, a white cloud perfect for garnishing your sweets.
The Story
- The history and original recipe of Vasilopita are lost over the centuries.
- What remains the same is the symbolism of the traditional Vasilopita, bringing blessings, luck, prosperity, and love to every home! The ingredients used offer rich flavors and unique aromas, including nuts, walnuts, almonds, yogurt, chocolate, and even white chocolate, raisins, orange, mahleb, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Rich is the decoration too. Beyond the classic design created by dusting with sugar, you can choose to garnish with chocolate ganache or marzipan and Christmas ornaments!
- In our family, we have a special recipe we make every year, and it is this one. From me, all the wishes for luck and prosperity in your home!