Fanouropita

Fanouropita is traditionally made in Greece on the 27th of August, to honor Saint Fanourios, saint of lost things. “Fanourios” comes from the Greek verb fanerono, which means “reveal.” Worshipers believe that preparing the cake, the saint will help them find what they’re looking for, be it a lost object, prosperity,  peace, the restoration of health, a future spouse, or even a new meaning in life.

It is usually prepared on the eve of the day and brought to church to be blessed and then distributed among the parishioners. It is not too sweet but very flavored and aromatic due to the presence of orange, cinnamon, and clove. The ingredients used are either 7 or 9, representing the seven Holy Sacraments of the Church or the nine angelic choirs. It can be made year-round and easily enjoyed during breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea! The cake is vegan because it doesn’t contain any dairy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of orange juice and the zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cup of olive oil
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 spoonful of cinnamon
  • 1 spoonful of grounded clove
  • salt
  • 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda
  • 1/2 kilo of all-purpose flour
  • Grounded walnuts
  • Raisins

For the decoration:
Sesame for the sprinkling (optional)
Caster sugar (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 150 Celsius.
  • In a bowl, dilute the sugar in the olive oil. Add the spices, the salt, and the orange zest.
  • Add the baking soda to the orange juice and add it to the mixture. Whisk well
  • Sift the flour and add it gradually to the mixture. Add the raisins and the walnuts. Whisk softly transfer the mixture in a baking pan and bake for 55 minutes in the lower rack. Insert a toothpick and when it comes clean remove it from the oven and let cool down.
  • If you desire, you can decorate the cake with sesame or powdered sugar!

Good luck!