Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Ingredients

320 gr plain flour

240 gr sugar

3 egg whites

3 egg yolks

80 gr butter

220 ml orange juice

1/2 tsp baking soda

35 ml cognac or brandy

Zest of 3 oranges

1/2 cup roasted and grated almonds

1 vanilla

3/4 cup vanilla “submarine” and powdered sugar

Instructions

Trivia

This particular custom is quite simple and interesting. Every new year’s day, every greek family makes (our buys) Vasilopita, named after Megas Vasileios (Agios Vasilis or Santa Claus for Greeks), and share its pieces. First three pieces of the cake are dedicated to the house (home),Jesus Christ and the “poor man”. The rest are shared among the family members. One particular piece contains a lucky coin, called φλουρί (florin), and the person that gets this piece is supposed to have good luck for the whole new year! Businesses, clubs and every type of organization in Greece dedicates one day of the year (definitely before March) to experience this custom and share Vasilopita to its members!