Nothing fills a home with cozy warmth and festive aromas quite like traditional Greek Christmas baking. From flaky pastries to sweet treats, the culinary traditions of Greece offer a delightful array of flavors and textures. Today, we’re diving into the world of Greek desserts with a recipe for Karydopita Me Portokali – a delightful walnut and orange cake that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot tea by the fireplace.
**Karydopita Me Portokali (Walnut and Orange Cake)**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of finely ground walnuts
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 cup of olive oil
– 3 large eggs
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with a bit of olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground walnuts, sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Add the orange zest to the dry ingredients mixture. This will infuse the cake with a fragrant citrus aroma that’s perfect for the holidays.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, and eggs until well combined.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a uniform bake.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the cooled cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
10. Slice the Karydopita Me Portokali into squares or diamond shapes and serve with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a truly indulgent experience.
This Karydopita Me Portokali recipe captures the essence of Greek holiday baking with its rich blend of nutty walnuts, zesty orange flavors, and warm spices. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a gathering with loved ones, or simply craving a taste of the Mediterranean, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Greece into your home. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring this classic Greek treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
