Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s cake)

A vasilopita is a traditional Greek cake or bread prepared and enjoyed to celebrate the New Year. Hidden inside the cake is a gold coin wrapped in foil and the family member who is fortunate enough to receive the coin in their slice  is said to have good luck for the rest of the year. In older times, the coin was often a valuable one, such as a gold sovereign. New Year’s Day is also Saint Basil’s Feast Day on the Greek Orthodox calendar - Greeks also refer to their Santa Claus figure as St Basil. The vasilopita is cut and served to family members based on age or rank, with the most senior members receiving the first pieces, followed by each family member according to age.