How to Bake Tsoureki (Greek Sweet Bread)

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Make the spice water by boiling 1 stick of cinnamon and 5 bay leaves into a cup of water for 15 minutes.

   Set aside. , Allow butter to melt. ,, Stir slowly. ,, The masticha and machlepi will be difficult to remove entirely from the mortar and pestle, but try to extricate as much as possible. , Prepare to use this in a later argument with friends about being more “cultured” than they. , Resist urge to add extra flour, as the mixture is supposed to feel less cohesive than normal bread dough. ,, The shape must be circular, but there is no exact method of placement, so design as you so choose. ,,,,
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   Step 2: Let cool for 10 minutes and add yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar to spice water.

   This is the prize money for whoever finds the coin in their slice. ,,, Guests are usually included in this section.
   
   Some families include slices for pets as well!) , Whoever finds the coin wins the prize money! , The point of the whole ritual is to start the year off with a hopeful feeling in your heart and a smile on your face! The money CANNOT be used on something necessary or solemn in nature! The object the money purchases must be an instrument of joy.
   
   For instance, if the dime is found in the Work piece, the money should be used to buy things to decorate your office.
   
   If a pet should win the coin, go buy him/her a new toy or a few treats! , The money should be donated the next time the family goes to church (which is usually later that day if you are Greek . , The coin will be your good luck charm for the next 365 days!
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   Step 3: Heat can of milk in saucepan on a low flame

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   Step 4: adding one can’s worth of water followed soon after by the butter.

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   Step 5: Beat 7 of the eggs and sugar in a separate

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   Step 6: large bowl.

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   Step 7: Add the milk mixture and the yeast mixture to the egg/sugar bowl.

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   Step 8: Grind masticha and machlepi in a mortar and pestle with teaspoon of sugar until fine

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   Step 9: sticky paste.

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    Step 10: Mix ground masticha and machlepi into the growing mixture.

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    Step 11: Stop to revel in the use of two ingredients never previously encountered.

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    Step 12: Slowly add flour to the mixture

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    Step 13: kneading with hands until dough is soft and slightly sticky.

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    Step 14: Wrap coin in aluminum foil and knead it into the dough.

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    Step 15: Place into a pie tin or simply let rise.

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    Step 16: Mix the remaining two eggs with sesame seeds and then lightly brush the mixture onto the top of the dough once it has risen.

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    Step 17: Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.

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    Step 18: Lower oven to 250 degrees and let bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

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    Step 19: Place finished (and cooled) Vaselopita onto large plate.

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    Step 20: Have the primary caregiver in the house place money (around $20-40 dollars) onto center of table near Vaselopita.

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    Step 21: Carve a cross shape into the top (the ritual begins with a remembrance of Christ).

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    Step 22: Spin Vaselopita three times (also a religious reference

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    Step 23: this time to the Trinity).

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    Step 24: Cut Vaselopita into equal sections

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    Step 25: in this order: Christou (For the Church) Spitiou (For the House) Thoulia (For the Work) Nikoukidi (For the ‘Man’ of the House) Nikoukida (For the ‘Woman’ of the House) Bethiou (One slice for each of the children starting with the oldest.

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    Step 26: Search pieces for the coin.

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    Step 27: Spend the prize money on something frivolous that makes you happy!

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    Step 28: The only situation in which the money is used seriously is if the Church wins.

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    Step 29: Keep the coin in a safe place for the next year and DO NOT SPEND IT!

Detailed Guide

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