The Festive, Fragrant Olive Oil Bread from Provence

It is an old Mediterranean tradition to have several sweets on display during the end of the year holidays. Part of the traditional Christmas table in Provence this delicious olive oil bread is supposed to be torn into pieces with the hands and never cut with a knife.

From mid-December and up until after the New Year we usually keep on the festive table nuts and dried fruit, plus melomakarona and kourabiedes.  

 

BREAD Pompe S

BREAD Pompe cut S

Wikipedia refers also to the Sephardic Jewish tradition to serve various nuts, candied and dried fruits during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.  Catalans and Armenians share similar traditions. (more…)

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Pompe a l’ Huile: Festive Bread from Provence

Part of the traditional Christmas table in Provence this delicious olive oil bread is supposed to be torn into pieces with the hands and never cut with a knife. Read MORE.

 

BREAD Pompe S

Pompe a l’ Huile is served along with twelve more desserts on Christmas Eve on the festive tables all around the Mediterranean coast of France. The thirteen sweetmeats include various dried fruits –figs, different kinds of grapes, plums etc.—candied pears and apples, as well as oranges and other citrus fruits, cookies and nougat.

 

Makes THREE 12-inch flat breads, or ONE large and 4 small breads (more…)

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Vassilopita –New Year’s Orange and Brandy Cake

This is my mother’s recipe for Vassilopita, the New Year’s rich and buttery cake that hid the lucky coin. Decorate with almonds, if you like, or simply sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.

Serve on its own for breakfast or as a snack with coffee, tea or orange juice. Great with a glass of fruity, sparkling wine!

 

 

Makes one 10-inch round cake    (more…)

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