Fanouropita- Lost and found!

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