the-darkest-of-lights:

I was requested to post the recipe for the vasilopitta.

Vasilopitta ( Greek bread of fortune )

1 tbsp ouzo (optional)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp anise seed
¼ tsp ginger
½ tsp grated orange peel
1 bay leaf
2 envelops active dry yeast
½ cup warm water
1 cup milk , hot
1 stick butter
7 cups flour
½ tsp salt
3 eggs
12 whole nuts or cranberries

Bring ¼ cup water, ouzo , cinnamon , anise seed, ginger ,orange peel, and bay leaf to a boil in a small saucepan; cool. Discard bay leaf . Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Combine milk and butter in a medium sized bowl ; let sit intil butter melts . Add eggs , yeast and spiced water,beat until smooth . Mix flour , sugar , salt, in a large bowl . Slowly mix in liquid until dough is easy to handle. Turn onto a floured surface ; knead for 20 min . Place in a greased bowl ; turn ounce let rise for 5 hours .

Punch down dough ; knead for five minutes . Let rest for 5 min. Shape into one large loaf or two smaller loaves ;decorate then place on a greased cookie sheet. Cover ; let rise for 2 hours . Preheat oven to 350F
Bake until loaf sounds hollow when tapped, about 60 mins.

~ a kitchen Witch’s cookbook
by Telesco