The Vasilopita is a Greek New Year's Bread. This batter yeast bread is a sweet and spicy delight.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup bread flour
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- 6 cups bread flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups warm milk
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- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
PREPARATION:
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup milk, yeast and 1/2 cup flour. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Place 6 cups flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, 3/4 cup melted butter, 3 eggs and milk. Mix thoroughly to make a thick dough.
Scoop the dough into a lightly greased 8x8 inch baking pan. Brush dough with melted butter, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
When dough has risen, insert a clean silver coin into the loaf. Brush dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes.