VARVARA. St. Barbara’s Christmas...

VARVARA. St. Barbara’s Christmas dessert
———————————————————————————————–
According to Greek Tradition , Varvara is made on December 4th.
Saint Barbara is the patron saint of the northern Greek city of Drama and of Thrace, where the custom on her feast day is to make a sweet called Varvara.
This is a more liquid form of koliva and is prepared on the eve of her feast day. It is served to neighbours to ensure the well-being of the household’s children.
Varvara is a dessert that is made of a mixture consisting of grains, fruits, dried fruits and nuts.

Varvara

Ingredients
370 g / 13oz husked wheat
2 cups sugar
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup almonds, skinless
1 cup dried fruits, chopped (prunes, apricots)
For the topping:
1 cup chopped walnuts
Roasted Flour
2 tbsp Cinnamon

Directions
. Measure out two cups of flour into a pan.
Cook over medium-heat heat, whisking constantly. Cook for 5 to 7 min, until golden brown. Mix in the cinnamon and set aside.
(The longer you cook flour, the darker it gets in color and the deeper it becomes in flavor)

In a large pot place the wheat, cover with water and bring to boil.
When wheat is soft, add the raisins , almonds , dried fruits, sugar and continue boiling over medium-low heat.
Let it boil for a while, stirring often so it thickens.
Spoon Varvara into serving bowls, top with some roasted flour, walnuts and Serve…

from MY GREEKITCHEN http://mygreekitchen.tumblr.com/post/134520037056
from Tumblr http://0foodphotography.tumblr.com/post/134520097517
via IFTTT