St. Basil’s Day – January 1
St. Basil was a founding father of the Greek Orthodix Church. January 1st is the day that he is believed to havedied and thus was the day designated to honor him. St. Basil’s day is one of the most important days in Greek households and in Greek tradition.
St. Basil is associated with generiosity, love and children and kindess towards the desititute.
In many Greek homes, a special cake is baked on the eve of St. Basil’s Day with a gold or silver coin hidden inside. Saint Basil’s Cake is a round, flat cake of Greek origin, having the texture of shortbread. In the evening, just before midnight strikes and the new year begins, all the lights are turned off for a minute to signify the dawning of a New Year. The family gaily exchanges wishes for “A Happy New Year!” and the cake is cut. Traditionally a round piece is first cut from the center of the cake with a glass tumbler and cut under a napkin so that no one can view the cutting of the case. The piece is for Saint Basil. The Cake is then sliced in any thickness you want radiating from this circle.
The cake is distributed in accordance to a strict order. First piece is for St Basil, the second for the house, the next for the most senior member of the household down to the youngest member and also including absent members. There may also be a piece of cake for the cattle and a large piece for the poor. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be lucky for the next year.
As well as the St Basil’s cake there is usually an abundance of food on the table including Kourabiedes Shortbread and thiples, there is always honey on the table and olive-branches, nuts, fresh fruit and other symbols of happiness and wealth.
On New Year’s Eve the children sing carols and also on New Years Day. The first person across the threshold of the house on New Year’s Day is said to bring the family good luck throughout the coming year. The father, son or a lucky child was meant to be the first person across the threshold. A lucky child was someone who has both parents still alive.
St. Basil is known for his love of children, and kindness and generiosity towards the poor. The traditions of St. Basil are a wonderful way to start off the New Year whether from Greek heritage or not. The tradition celebrates the love of home, family and all of humanity. Why not start 2010 with your own St. Basil’s cake and traditions.
Recipe as follows:
.Among the many legendary rules associated with Saint Basil’s Cake, the most important is that it should be made by the mistress of the house and no other, and she should wear her very best clothes and jewels while putting it together.
The mixing is time consuming and tiring, but the 60 minutes specified in the recipe can be divided into 10 to 15 minute intervals with coffee breaks in between. The fine texture achieved by the long kneading is really worth the effort.
For a 10 inch cake:
2 cups sweet butter
4 tbsp confectioners sugar
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
a coin wrapped in waxed paper
blanched almonds, dragees, candied fruits for decorating
Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly, then mix in the egg yolk and flavoring.
Sift the flour and baking powder and add it gradually, mixing well. Work the mixture together with the hands for 60 minutes. Note: It’s very important to work the dough for the full 60 minutes!
Use an ungreased 10-inch round pan or skillet. Press the dough into the pan and embed the coin in the dough, hiding it well.
Smooth the top and prick it all over with a fork. Decorate the cake with nuts and fruit in any design pleasing to you. Bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (325 degrees with a glass pan) until it is very delicately browned.
Cool the cake for 10 minutes or so before taking it out of the pan.