ITALY: BEFANINI

The biblical date of Epiphany is January 6, but since that day is not a holiday, it is typically celebrated on the first Sunday after January 1. The date is variable. Every year it takes place on the first Sunday of January, unless that Sunday falls on New Year’s Day, in which case, Epiphany will be held on the second Sunday in January.

Epiphany has a different symbolic meaning depending on the churches. For the Roman Catholic Church, Epiphany celebrates the visit of the three Kings (Magi), Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar, who came to bring gifts to the infant Jesus.

The Orthodox Church commemorates Christ’s baptism in the Jordan and the manifestation of the Divine Trinity, which is the etymological sense of the word Epiphany since the word comes from the Greek which means “appearance” or “manifestation”.

Finally, for the Armenian Apostolic Church, January 6 is one of the most important holidays because it celebrates the nativity. Moreover, only the Armenian Christians have kept a single holiday and therefore also celebrate Christmas on that same day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 14 tablespoons butter , soft
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 5 eggs
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons rum
• Small multicolored sprinkles

Instructions

1. Mix the eggs and sugar until frothy.
2. Add the butter, flour, milk, baking powder, salt, lemon zest and rum (optional).
3. Mix all the ingredients to obtain a smooth dough.
4. Let stand 45 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Preheat oven to 350 F.
6. ...................................

for full recipes please see : www.196flavors.com

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