The traditional Cypriot Cake Vasilopita

For the first day of the Year we have an amazing tradition!

Vasilopita is our special cake for the New Year, to start things off right! The custom is to hide a golden  coin(usually is a 1 euro coin or a fake golden lira) in the bottom of the cake. The family and friends are gathered traditionally for lunch on the first day of the year. When they finish eating they cut the cake into slices naming each slice as they cut it, after everyone that are in the table. Whoever finds the coin in his slice is going to be blessed and lucky for the next year and also he gets a gift.

 We give you the recipe with a lot of love and wishes for 2016!

 

 

 

 

 INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups flour
6 eggs1 cup orange juice2 teaspoons baking powder3 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon of the aromatic spice Machleb (mahalepi). A pinch of salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup warm milk 2 cups of icing sugar to sieve on top
PREPARE:

1. Whisk the butter, sugar and salt together, until pale and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one by one and then add the grated zest, vanilla, orange juice, machalepi and warm milk. Once all is mixed thoroughly we add the flour and baking powder.

2. Whisk the egg whites to a thick meringue. Fold it gently to the mixture, a little at a time, alternately with the flour, with the help of a spatula. Then add the almonds and combine everything gently.

3. Lightly oil a baking pan and empty the mixture in. Add the traditional coin (a quarter, silver or gold for a year filled of good luck to whoever finds) and, if you wish, sprinkle with flaked almonds. Bake at 350ºC, in a preheated oven, for approximately 40 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then, remove the cake from the tin and place it on a rack to cool. You may sieve some icing sugar on top.

#happynewyear