vasilópita

Round New Year's loaf with a coin hidden inside, which brings good luck to the person who finds it in their slice. Many families use a recipe similar to tsoureki, and sprinkle the glazed top with slivered almonds.

The bread is traditionally served on 1 January (St Basil's Day) but also throughout January: the name, or so some say, is not derived from St Basil (Agios Vasileíos), the Greek ‘cousin’ of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, who distributes gifts and pocket money to children on that day, but from 'king' βασιλεύς, similar to the French galette des rois and other ‘king cakes’.

Some, however, call it a Χρονόπιτα (Chronópita) or 'Year pie.'