Greek Saint Basil's New Year's Cake (Vasilopita)
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A very traditional Greek cake that celebrates the life of Saint Basil. It is usually served at New Year, but quick and delicious anytime.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter plus 1 tablespoon for greasing cake pan
2 cups white sugar plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling
3 cups all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup warm milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup blanched slivered almondsA clean! silver or gold coin wrapped in aluminum foil (a quarter works well)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch round cake pan with 1 tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, cream the 1 cup of butter and 2 cups of sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour and mix until the batter resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the eggs, one at a time, blending each one in well.
In a small bowl combine the baking powder and milk; add to the cake batter and mix well. Finally, combine the lemon juice and baking soda in a small bowl; add to the cake batter and mix well. Pour the cake batter into the greased cake pan, insert the foil-wrapped coin, and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle the nuts and 2 tablespoons sugar over the cake, then return the cake to the oven and bake another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back to the touch. Allow the cake to cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then invert the pan onto a cake plate.
NOTE - Ideally, the cake should be served warm. Each person gets a slice of the cake starting with the most senior member. Members of the Greek Orthodox Church believe that whoever gets the coin is blessed.