HOW TO MAKE VASILOPITA
Vasilopita is a traditional Greek New Year’s cake, that is typically served on New Year’s Day. A coin is hidden inside the cake and the person who finds the coin in their slice is said to have good luck for the coming year. Vasilopita is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Greek culture.
Ingredients:
250g of unsalted butter
1 cup of orange juice
1/4 cup of brandy
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of milk
3 cups of all purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds
1 coin (wrapped in aluminium foil)
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
Instructions:
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, orange juice, brandy and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
Fold in the chopped almonds.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Place the wrapped coin into the batter, making sure it is completely covered.
Bake for 50-60 minutes.
Allow the cake to cool.
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
