Vasilopita

Vasilopita is a sweet Greek New Year's bread. This person who receives the coin hidden inside is considered to be especially blessed for the year.

• Preparation Time: 2 hr 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 3 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 339 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 6 cups bread flour
• 2 cups warm milk
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup chopped almonds
• 0.75 cup butter, melted
• 0.5 cup warm milk
• 0.5 cup bread flour

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup milk, yeast and 1/2 cup flour. Cover and let the sponge rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Step 2

Place 6 cups flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the sponge, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, 3/4 cup melted butter, 3 eggs and 2 cups milk. Mix thoroughly to make a stiff dough.

Step 3

Transfer the dough into a greased springform pan. Brush dough with melted butter, cover with greased plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash.

Step 5

When dough has risen, insert a clean silver coin into the loaf. Brush dough egg wash and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Bake in preheated oven until deep golden brown, about 40 minutes.