*  Exported from  MasterCook  *
 
                     NEW YEAR'S DAY, VASILOPITTA BREAD
 
 Recipe By     : 
 Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Breads
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    2       tb           Dry yeast
      1/4   c            Warm water
      1/2   ts           Each.. cinnamon, anise
                         -seeds, orange peel
    1                    Bay leaf
    1       oz           Ouzo (optional)
      1/2   c            Water
      1/2   c            Hot milk
      1/4   lb           Butter
    7       c            Unbleached flour, unsifted
    1       c            Sugar
      1/2   ts           Salt
    3                    Eggs
   12                    Walnut halves
 
   The Greeks wrap coins in foil and knead them into this
   bread.  They believe anyone who finds a coin will have
   good luck in the coming year.
   
   Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.  Put
   spices, orange peel,bay leaf, and ouzo in a pot with
   the 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Set aside to
   steep and cool.  Heat milk and remove from heat.  Add
   the butter and allow the milk to cool slightly.  Put
   the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.  Mix in
   eggs, yeast, milk mixture, and flavored water (remove
   only the bay leaf) Stir the mixture until all the
   flour has been absorbed.
   
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and
   knead until smooth, about 20 minutes.  Place in a
   buttered bowl, and flip the dough so the top is
   greased as well.  Cover with a towel dampened with hot
   water.  Set in a warm, draft free place to rise until
   doubled in bulk, about 4-6 hours.
   
   Punch down the dough and knead for about 5 minutes.
   Shape into one large round loaf and decorate the top
   with walnut halves.  Set aside to rise once more,
   about 2 hours (uncovered). Bake in a preheated 350 F
   oven for 1 hour.
   
   Makes 1 loaf.
   
   Origin:  Hearth and Home Companion Shared by: Sharon
   Stevens.
  
 
 
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