Recipe: St. Basil's Bread

St. Basil's Bread
soc.culture.greek/eleni53 (1997)
Makes 2 rounds

The bread is called "Vassilopeta" and is based in Orthodox tradition... Saint Basil used to help the poor, and they were sometimes very prideful and refused his help. He would bake them bread and hidden in the bread would be coins. They couldn't refuse the money then because he would say that he didn't know how it got in there so it must be theirs. St Basil's day is January 14th.

2 pkgs active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (@ 110 degrees F)
1/4 cup sugar
In medium bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in sugar; let stand until foamy (5-8 minutes)

1 cup milk
3/4 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Heat milk in a saucepan; add butter, sugar, and salt. Do not exceed 110 degrees

6 large eggs at room temp
2 teaspoons crushed anise seed, or 1 1/2 tsp ground masticha, or the peel of one lemon or orange grated, or 1 1/4 tsp nutmeg
9 to 10 cups all-purpose flour

In large bowl with electric mixer, beat eggs until thick and lemon-colored (about 15 min) Add warm milk mixture; continue to beat. Add yeast and one of the flavorings. Beat at low speed, scrap bowl constantly; add 2 cups flour. Mix well; add 1 1/2 cups more flour and beat at high speed 5 min.

Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto floured surface and add only enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough and to prevent sticking. Knead 15 to 20 minutes until smooth and satiny. Place dough in a greased bowl; turn dough over to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (2 -21/2 hours) Punch dough down; knead briefly to release air.

Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. From each portion, pinch off 2 balls of dough about 3 inches in diameter; set aside

Shape the 2 large portions into smooth balls. Place on a greased baking sheet or round pan and flatten into a 10-inch round. Place a coin wrapped in foil (large enough to be noticeable) into each bread. Shape the small balls of remaining dough to write the numbers of the New Year on the center of the bread. Cover and let rise in a warm place (30-40 minutes.)

Brush with one beaten egg with 1 tsp water. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 40 minutes or until loaf is richly browned and sounds hollow when tapped.