Vasilopita

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Thickly butter a 10-inch round springform pan.

2. Step 2

   In a large bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter until it is light and fluffy. Beat in the sugar and beat until the mixture is light. Beat in the eggs, one a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the orange and lemon rinds.

3. Step 3

   In a separate bowl, sift together three cups of the flour, the baking powder and salt.

4. Step 4

   With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the dry mixture alternately with the milk. The batter will be very thick. Using a wooden spoon, gradually blend in the remaining flour, beating well until completely smooth. (Press a token or coin into the dough now if you like.)

5. Step 5

   Spread the batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Brush the top evenly with the egg and milk mixture. Press the whole cloves into the top to spell out the date of the new year.

6. Step 6

   Bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing from ring form and slicing.