The tradition: Greece has a lovely cake tradition for the New Year! The New Year cake is called “Vasilopita” which is directly translated as “Sweet Bread of Basil”. This is one of the most beautiful customs of Greek New Year’s symbolizing sweetness and joy for the coming year.
Preparation: The housewife is the one that usually makes the Vasilopita and following the tradition strictly, hides a golden coin “Lira”, as required (one cent coin is absolutely fine too!). This coin is called “flouri” and is placed in the bottom of the cake. The host makes the sign of the cross with a knife across the cake. A piece of cake is sliced for each member of the family and friends, present at the time, usually by order of age from eldest to youngest. And, whoever is lucky enough to find the coin in his/her piece, will have a very lucky year!!
Let’s Cook: So, if you want to practise your Greek while cooking with your family, click on the following links. We strongly recommend it!
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=IyarhoW4yFQ
Find the recipe in English: https://akispetretzikis.com/en/categories/keik-mpiskota/vasilopita-keik
Find the recipe in Greek: https://akispetretzikis.com/el/categories/keik-mpiskota/vasilopita-keik
Some useful vocabulary:
| Greek | English |
|---|---|
| ζάχαρη άχνη | icing sugar |
| μαχλέπι | mahlab |
| μαστίχα | mastic |
| αλεσμένο μοσχοκάρυδο | ground nutmeg |
| αλεύρι | flour |
| φούρνος | oven |
| θερμοκρασία | temprature |
| λιπαρά | fat |
| προθερμαίνω | preheat |
| ξύσμα | grated zest |
| εκχύλιασμα | extract |
| ξηρή μαγιά | dry yeast |
| καλή επιτυχία | good luck |
Καλή επιτυχία!!!
