Fanouropita- Lost and found!

Nov 21, 2011

Religious traditions often influence the eating habits of a nation. In Greece, Orthodox tradition has influenced our cuisine to such a degree that even those who are not religious keep the traditions. Family memories and customs keep them alive but, mostly, it is the pleasure that traditional food offers.
 Fanouropita is a cake made on the 27th of August,- St. Fanourios Day. It is also made every time we have lost something or when we want to make a wish about something, - for example, good health or a new job. We used to make Fanouropita often at home because it’s a nice cake with coffee (Okay, we would make a wish from time to time!).

















Fanouropita is an egg and dairy free cake and according to tradition only 9 ingredients must be used to make it. Others believe that 12 is the correct number. I will give you the 9 ingredients version I know and also a twist with syrup to make it as a dessert.  Even if you haven’t lost anything, don’t lose the chance to make this!





For a 20cm (8 inch) cake pan

200gr cake flour
2,5gr baking soda
2,5gr baking powder
50gr raisins
1tsp cinnamon powder +1/2 clove powder (or 5 spice mix)
50gr vegetable oil
150gr orange juice
25gr brandy
125gr icing sugar (and some more icing sugar for dusting the cake)



Preheat the oven to 180˚C.In a bowl mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, raisins and spices. In another bowl, mix well with a spatula the oil with the orange juice, icing sugar, and brandy. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the liquid mix, incorporating them, - but don’t over mix. Pour the batter into a greased round 23cm cake pan and bake for 30’-40’min or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on a rack. When cool either dust it with icing sugar, or put the cake back into the pan and slowly pour hot syrup over the entire surface of the cake.

 To Make the Syrup: boil together for 1 minute 225gr granulated sugar and
150gr water




6 comments

  1. I am THRILLED to have found your blog. I love Greece, your country, your music and all the food I've tasted. I'm planning to try at least half of the dishes from your blog when I go to Chalkidiki in the summer!

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  2. Love your blog . I have just come back from Greece. Now, I can make the dishes I sampled there, thanks to your recipes

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I hope my recipes will revive those food memories from Greece.

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  3. Could you possibly publish a recipe for Cefalonian Meat Pie? I lost the recipe I had and really need to follow a recipe.

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  4. What would be a good substitute for brandy if we want to make it non-alcoholic as well? Thank you

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