The 7LR Fanouropita

In memory of Saint Fanourios tradition has it that the Greeks bake a cake. Saint Fanourios has always been my favourite. Indeed, I recall with great nostalgia the sweet moments I had, whilst baking with my grandmother this delicious, fasting walnut cake. According to tradition, the cake will help you locate lost items!

It is so delicious that one can actually bake it throughout the year; albeit on the 27th August each year, this wonderful version of the walnut cake is made for Saint Fanourios.

Ingredients

The cake needs only 9 ingredients, according to tradition. The 7LR version includes:

-300g sunflower oil (you can use half of sunflower oil and half of olive oil, but that would make it taste stronger. You can use any type of vegetable oil too).

-300ml orange juice (plus an extra 50ml of juice that will be mixed with the baking soda. Of course fresh orange juice will give a different texture!)

-500g self-raising flour

-250g sugar & a pinch of salt

-1tsp baking soda

-125g walnuts

-1tsp cinnamon

-1/2tsp clove

-80g raisins (optional)

Preparation

In a large bowl, mix the orange juice with the oil and the sugar. Stir well, until the sugar has been dissolved.

In another small bowl, mix the baking soda with the 50ml of juice and the spices. Mix well until you see the bubbles! Then combine this with the ingredients in the large bowl.

Add the rest of the ingredients, i.e. the flour, walnuts, raisins and salt and mix well.

Prepare the baking pan and bake for about an hour (180 degrees). Remove from the oven and sprinkle icing sugar on top and a few raisins. Enjoy!