Vasilopeta (greek new years bread)

1 loaf

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
5 cups Flour, sifted
½ cup Milk, lukewarm
½ pounds Butter, melted
6 eaches Egg, slightly beaten
2 packs Yeast
2 cups Sugar
½ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Cinnamon, ground
½ teaspoon Nutmeg, ground
1 tablespoon Orange peel, grated
Almonds, blanched
Sesame seed
1 each Egg yolk
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Sift 5 cups of the flour into a
large Bowl; make a well in the center of the flour. Combine milk, yeast
And water, melted butter, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange
Peel and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon, until well blended. Work
These ingredients into the flour with your hands until thoroughly
Blended. Place dough on a lightly floured board, and knead until the
Dough is smooth and firm, adding more flour as necessary. Place dough in
A greased bowl, brush it with melted butter, cover, and allow to rise in
A warm place for 2 hours. Knead again lightly on a floured board; shape
Dough into a round loaf, bury a silver coin in the dough, place on a
Greased baking sheet, cover with a towel, and allow to rise again in a warm place for 1 hour.
(Note: the single, large loaf is traditional, but
If you wish to make 2 smaller loaves, separate dough in 2 sections, and
Follow the same process as for the single loaf.) When dough is risen the
Second time, brush with egg yolk, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds,
And arrange the almonds to form the number of the new year. Bake at 350
Degrees for 1 hour.

Directions

SERVINGS

SOURCE: GREEK COOKING FOR TH

FROM: SALLIE KREBS

This traditional bread or cake has a special ceremony. The head of the house slices the bread at midnight, as the New Year rings in, and the finder of the buried coin shall be blessed with good fortune. This bread keeps a long time and is excellent toasted with your morning coffee.

Submitted By SALLIE KREBS On 12-04-94

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