Christopsomo (Greek Christmas Bread)

Many of you probably wonder what is Christ’s bread, and how does it differ from normal bread? Well for the most part the ingredients are not unusual. What does make it unique is the Christmas spirit present while making the bread and the ritual that goes along with the making of this Greek Christmas pastry.

In the olden days, the bread was prepared by housewives with absolute reference, often while saying a prayer during the process. Today Christopsomo is made much like it used to be generations before, however, rituals and preparation does not necessarily always involve prayer and reverence. More so, it places family members together, while making the bread. Today we’d like to share the recipe of this Greek Christmas specialty with you. Enjoy!

For the dough

• In a mixer’s bowl, add a part of the water (550 g), the yeast and sugar.
• Mix with a hand whisk until the yeast dissolves completely and it becomes activated.
• Add the olive oil, flour and cinnamon. Beat with the hook attachment on medium speed for about 5-8 minutes, until all of the ingredients are completely combined start coming together to form a dough.
• Add the salt, anise and walnuts. Beat for 1 minute, just to combine. They are not added from the start so that they don’t get crushed inside the dough.
• If the dough is too thick, you can add the remaining water if needed.
• In a separate bowl, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the dough.
• Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside for 1 – 1 ½ hours, until it doubles in size.

To decorate

• Wash the mixer’s bowl and place back on stand.
• Add all of the ingredients: water, olive oil, flour and salt.
• Beat with the paddle attachment for 2-3 minutes, until you create a smooth dough.
• Remove dough from bowl and wrap in plastic wrap. Set it aside to rest.

For the Christmas bread

• Punch down the dough lightly with your fingers and shape into a round loaf.
• Line a 30 cm baking pan with parchment paper and butter.
• Transfer dough into baking pan and let it spread out on its own.
• Remove plastic wrap from decorating dough and cut it into 6 equal sized pieces.
• Shape each piece into a long rope and then braid each 3 ropes into a braid. You should have 2 braids which should be as long as the circumference of the baking pan.
• Brush the dough in the pan with some beaten egg so that the 2 types of dough don’t stick together.
• Then place the 2 braids over it in the shape of a cross.
• Position the whole walnut in the center.
• Cover with a towel and allow the dough to rise again for 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 180* C (350* F) Fan.
• Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
• When the bread is almost ready, prepare the glaze by combining the honey and cognac thoroughly. When ready, remove from oven and immediately brush the glaze over the Christmas Bread.