Greek cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, especially during the festive Christmas season. Today, we’re going to delve into the delightful world of Greek Christmas baking with a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of traditional holiday flavors. Karidopita, a moist and fragrant walnut and anise cake, is a beloved dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday gathering.
Karidopita Me Anise – Walnut and Anise Cake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of walnuts, finely chopped
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 cup of olive oil
– 1 cup of fresh orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon of anise seeds
– 4 eggs
– For the syrup:
– 2 cups of water
– 2 cups of sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2-3 whole cloves
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup of honey
– 1/4 cup of brandy
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, sugar, olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, and anise seeds. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Gradually fold the eggs into the walnut mixture, stirring gently until everything is combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake the karidopita in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, lemon zest, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the brandy. Let the syrup cool slightly.
8. Once the karidopita is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot cake, ensuring that it is evenly soaked.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. The flavors will meld beautifully as it rests.
Enjoy this Karidopita Me Anise – Walnut and Anise Cake with a cup of hot tea or Greek coffee for a truly festive and heartwarming treat. The combination of crunchy walnuts, exotic anise, and fragrant spices will transport you to the sun-drenched hills of Greece with every bite. Embrace the spirit of the holidays with this delightful Greek Christmas dessert that is sure to become a new family favorite.
