New Year’s Blessing Vasilopita – Greek Sweet Celebration Bread |

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground mahleb (optional, traditional spice)
• 3 large eggs (room temp)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or slivered almonds (for topping)
• Foil-wrapped coin (optional, for tradition)