New Year's Day, take two!

You may remember my semi-failed attempt at vasilopita this time last year.  The cake served its purpose and tasted good, but it definitely wasn't pretty.  Well, I'm proud to say that this year was much more successful, thanks to a new recipe and a different pan!

And the winner is...my brother-in-law, Rick!  Perfect timing, with his new business underway (have you been to Rudy's in Garwood?  Run, don't walk!)...2012 will be a great year for him, according to the Greeks :)

And yes, I fully admit that I'm bitter over NEVER having the coin in my slice.  Not once.  Ever.

Whatever.

Anyway, I can't wait to have a slice of this with my coffee for breakfast.

Hope 2012 brings you health, luck and happiness!

Vasilopita, take two!
from Elly Says Opa

4 eggs, separated
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups AP flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
confectioners' sugar (for dusting)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9 inch round pan.

Beat egg whites to medium peaks with a mixer.  Set aside.  In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Set aside.

Beat butter for a few minutes, then add sugar and cream together.  Add egg yolks one at a time, beating until just incorporated.  Beat in orange juice, zest and vanilla.

Gently fold in 1/3 of egg whites, followed by 1/3 of flour mixture.  Repeat in that order until all is just combined.  Do not overmix.  Stir a foil-wrapped coin into batter, then pour into prepared pan.

Bake for approximately 40 minutes.  Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Linked to: Sweets for a Saturday