#6  Simple Greek Desserts

Ravani

1 lb sweet butter, softened
2 c. sugar
12 eggs (room temperature)
2 c flour
1 1/2 c farina or cream of wheat
2 T. baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter in mixer until fluffy.  Lower mixer speed and add sugar gradually.  Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition. Sift flour with baking powder and fold in gently.  Carefully fold in farina and pour batter into a well-greased 12 x 15 pan.  Spread slightly higher along sides of pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back and is done in center.

While Ravani is baking, prepare simple syrup.  Combine 5 cups water, 5 cups sugar, and one tablespoon of vanilla. Simmer for 40 minutes. Remove cake from oven, and pour hot syrup over hot cake. Cover with foil and allow to cool.


Rizogalo - Rice Pudding

2 quarts of whole milk
3/4 c rice
1 c sugar
3 eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp. Vanilla

Cinnamon

Bring milk to a boil watching carefully so it does not scorch or boil over.
  Add the rice and cook stirring constantly until done--about 20-30 minutes.  In a separate bowl, beat eggs until fluffy.  Add sugar and vanilla.  Add a little of the milk rice mixture into the beaten eggs.  Pour the egg mixture into the rice mixture and continuing to beat at a slower pace so the eggs will cook. Pudding will thicken as eggs cook. Constantly stir the mixture and when mixture thickens, remove from heat.  Pour into serving dishes and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cool before storing in refrigerator.



 

Source:  Adapted from Greek Gourmet Treats – A Collection of Recipes by Saints Mary & Martha Philoptochos Society, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Knoxville, TN