Each year the Orthodox faithful bake a cake in honor of Saint Fanourios’ (fah-NOO-ree-os) day on August 27th. He is believed to be the “finder” of lost items for those who bake this cake and bring it to church as an offering of thanks or “tama.”
It’s a delicious spiced cake with raisins and walnuts that’s easy to assemble and great with coffee or tea.
Saint Fanourios Cake – Recipe for Fanouropita
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sunflower oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground clove
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Lightly grease and flour a 9 inch round (24 cm) cake pan.
- In a large bowl using a whisk, mix together the sunflower oil and the sugar until well combined. Add the orange juice, brandy, spices, and baking powder and mix well.
- Using a spatula, incorporate the flour into the batter and mix until just combined. Mix in the ground walnuts and raisins.
- Transfer the batter into the cake pan and smooth the top with the spatula. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes or until the cake is nicely browned.
