Best 2 Christopsomo Recipes

Christopsomo, a traditional Greek bread prepared during Christmas, stands as a symbol of wealth, progress, and good fortune in the coming year. Originating from Cyprus, this sweet and aromatic bread is a staple in Greek households, often taking the shape of a braided loaf adorned with sesame seeds and decorated eggs. Variations of Christopsomo exist across different regions, ranging from the Cypriot version with its round shape to the Cretan variety known for its sweet orange zest flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of Christopsomo recipes, including the classic Cypriot Christopsomo, Cretan Christopsomo, Cypriot Orange and Anise Christopsomo, and Cypriot Tahini Bread. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, we'll guide you through the process of preparing this delectable bread, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome for your Christmas celebration.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHRISTOPSOMO

Christopsomo image

A Greek Christmas tradition, Christopsomo translates as "bread of Christ." Some families decorate the bread with a cross or "X." The letter "X" is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ and was used as an early abbreviation. Hence "Xmas."

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Breakfast & Brunch Recipes Bread Recipes

Yield Makes two 9-inch loaves

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (two 1/4-ounce envelopes)
8 cups unbleached bread flour, plus more for surface and more if needed
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups whole milk, warmed
2 teaspoons ground anise seeds
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1 teaspoon ground mastic gum
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pans
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetable oil, for bowl
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon whole milk, for egg wash
3 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

Sprinkle yeast, 1 cup flour, and 1/4 cup sugar over milk in a medium bowl. Cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
Combine remaining 7 cups flour and 1 1/2 cups sugar, the anise seeds, salt, orange zest, and mastic gum if desired. Make a well in center of mixture, and add milk mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix together ingredients using your hands. Once combined, turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead, adding more flour if needed, until smooth and supple, about 15 minutes.
Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Butter two 9-inch springform pans. Punch down dough, divide in half, and roll each half into a 24-inch-long log. Coil each log into a mounded circle (similar to a snail shell). Transfer each to a prepared pan. Cover with plastic, and let rise until doubled in volume, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush egg wash over tops of loaves, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack, and let cool for 15 minutes. Run a knife around edge of pans, and remove bread. Let cool completely on wire rack.

CHRISTOPSOMO (GREEK CHRISTMAS BREAD)

Christopsomo (Greek Christmas Bread) image

Christopsomo, or Christ's Bread, is considered a sacred tradition in many Greek Orthodox homes. The bread is often decorated with pieces of dough formed into representations of the family's life. Time doesn't include proofing time.

Provided by Member 610488

Categories Yeast Breads

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 loaves, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

8 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105F)
1 cup warm red wine
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brandy
2 oranges, zest of, grated
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup pine nuts
1 tablespoon anise seed, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
milk
2 walnuts, whole and unshelled
sesame seeds

Steps:

Mix the yeast with 1/2 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of flour, stir until dissolved and set aside for 10 minutes, until it bubbles.
In a large mixing bowl, sift the salt with 2/3 of the flour.
Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, the remaining warm water, and the wine.
Mix until a soft dough forms, cover with waxed paper and a damp towel, and set aside to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until doubled in bulk.
Punch the dough down and knead for several minutes until any air pockets are gone.
Sift in the remaining flour, add the oil, orange juice, brandy, and grated orange peel.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar, raisins, walnuts, pine nuts, anise, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until blended, and add to the dough.
Knead well until the dough is firm and doesn't stick (about 10 minutes), cover, and allow to rise for 1/2 hour.
On a lightly buttered baking pan, shape the bread into two circular loaves, about 8 inches in diameter.
Cover with a dry cloth and a damp cloth over that, and place in a warm place to rise again, until doubled in size.
Using a floured knife, score a cross into the top of the loaves, and place one whole, unshelled walnut at the center. Brush the bread with milk and scatter with sesame seeds.
Place a pan with at least 1 inch of water in the bottom of the oven and preheat to 450°F
Place the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove the pan with the water, reduce heat to 390F and bake for another 25-30 minutes.
Remove from oven, brush lightly with water, and cool on a rack.
Decorate Your Christmas Bread: After the second kneading, pull a fistful of dough from each loaf. Pat the dough back into shape to rise. When risen, use the small pieces of dough to create designs. Make them into the shapes of your choice and place on top of the loaves. Continue with the recipe.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 667.6, Fat 22.7, SaturatedFat 2.5, Sodium 201, Carbohydrate 99.5, Fiber 4.8, Sugar 28.7, Protein 12.8

Tips:

Activate the yeast properly: Activate the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough. This will help ensure that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
Use good quality ingredients: Use high-quality flour, sugar, and butter for the best results. Fresh, good-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste and texture of the Christopsomo.
Knead the dough properly: Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten in the flour and give the Christopsomo a light and airy texture.
Let the dough rise in a warm place: Place the dough in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This will give the yeast time to work and produce carbon dioxide, which will cause the dough to rise.
Bake the Christopsomo at the right temperature: Bake the Christopsomo at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown. This will help ensure that the Christopsomo is cooked through and has a slightly crispy crust.

Conclusion:

Christopsomo is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its slightly sweet flavor and soft and fluffy texture, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. By following the tips above, you can make a Christopsomo that is both beautiful and delicious. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!