Ingredients

250 g butter ( butter tastes better but margarine is fine )
1 cup sugar
5 eggs
1/3 cup liqueur ( brandy , orange or whatever you like )
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup finely ground walnuts
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 pieces lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence ( optional )
sweetened whipped cream ( to decorate )
chocolate shavings ( to decorate )
Karithopasta, also known as Greek Walnut Syrup Cake, is a traditional dessert that originated in Greece. It is a popular sweet indulgence that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but it is most commonly served as a dessert after meals, particularly in the Greek Orthodox tradition. The cake is made with simple ingredients such as butter, sugar, eggs, breadcrumbs, and finely ground walnuts. The cake is then soaked in a sweet lemon syrup that adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the cake. The Karithopasta is then topped with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings, which complement the nutty flavors of the cake.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a 23cm round baking tin.
2.In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3.Beat in eggs and liqueur, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4.Stir in cinnamon, ground cloves, baking powder, breadcrumbs, and finely ground walnuts until just combined.
5.Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
6.While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining water, sugar, lemon peel, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves.
7.Remove the lemon peel, stir in vanilla essence (if using) and let the syrup cool.
8.When the cake is baked and still hot, pour the cooled syrup over the cake and let it cool completely.
9.Once cooled, top the cake with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

PROS

This traditional Greek dessert is moist and rich in texture while being subtly spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

The cake is easy to make, and the syrup adds a lovely sweetness to the dessert.

CONS

This is a high-calorie dessert, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

The breadcrumb texture may not be preferred by some people.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Walnuts are a nutrient-dense food that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. They are known to reduce inflammation, support brain health, and lower the risk of some chronic diseases. Cinnamon and cloves have antioxidant properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

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