Fanuropita is a traditional Greek sweet bread that is made to honor the memory of Saint Fanourios on August 27th each year. There are many variations of the recipe, but the one we will be exploring today is the Fanuropita with 8 elements.
History of Fanuropita
Saint Fanourios is known in Greek Orthodox tradition as the patron saint of lost things or things that have been stolen. The tradition of making Fanuropita started as a way to honor him and ask for his help in finding lost items.
Over time, it became a more general tradition to bake this sweet bread in his honor. The number 8 is significant because Saint Fanourios is said to have been martyred at the age of 8.
Ingredients
Here are the eight ingredients that make up the Fanuropita with 8 elements:.
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 cup of brandy
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions
Here is how to make Fanuropita with 8 elements:.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add the orange juice and brandy to the bowl and mix again.
- Add the chopped walnuts and raisins to the bowl and mix again.
- Combine the baking powder and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then add it to the mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the Fanuropita to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Making Fanuropita
Here are some tips that will help you make the perfect Fanuropita:.
- Make sure to use a good-quality olive oil. This is the main flavor in the bread, so it’s important to use something that tastes good.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your personal preferences. Some people like their Fanuropita a little sweeter than others.
- If you don’t have brandy, you can use cognac or rum instead.
- Make sure to chop the walnuts into small pieces so that they will be evenly distributed throughout the bread.
In Conclusion
Fanuropita is a delicious and easy-to-make sweet bread that is perfect for honoring Saint Fanourios on August 27th. Using the eight traditional ingredients adds a special significance to the bread, making it a true symbol of Greek Orthodox tradition.