Fanouropita is a sweet cake recipe from Greek cuisine and is traditionally a Lenten cake, also called “lost and found cake.” It is traditionally served on St. Fanourios’ feast day on August 27, given to Greek Orthodox believers as a blessing.
In 2018 Anita Zachou founded Mykonos Olive Oil Tasting, an educational and consulting company based in Mykonos, Greece, delivering seminars, workshops, and webinars on Olive Oil Tasting, Olive Oil Gastronomy, Mediterranean Diet, Holistic Health, and Beauty & Wellness to foreign visitors and locals but also to consumers, kids, producers, wholesalers, and culinary professionals all over Greece and abroad.
Anita Zachou, Expert Olive Oil Taster & Sommelier, Agricultural Engineer, Founder of Mykonos Olive Oil Tasting
“There is little literature around St. Fanourios, although all Greeks celebrate him on August 27. St. Fanourios was discovered in Rhodes around 1500AD when after a local pillaging by a roaming band of foreigners, a group of nomadic pagans found a ruined church full of decayed rubble including some destroyed icons. There amidst the rocks and dust gleamed the perfectly preserved icon of St. Fanourios. Clearly preserved by miracle, it was concluded that he must have been a saint, not least because of his story.”
“On this day Greeks and Cypriots greet one another with ’May God grant rest to the soul of Saint Fanourios’ Mother.’ The church however passes no statement as there is no evidence to conclude that she was as they say such a sinful woman. Still, the blessing is taken with a slice of olive oil cake, a delicious and simple recipe including flour, orange, sugar, cinnamon and olive oil amongst other optional flavors and touches. If you are so fortunate to be the child of a Greek mother or married to one, she will no doubt have the very best recipe with a unique and particular way to make it which will give you a superior Fanouropita. She probably has already made it for you, your family and your entire neighborhood. If she hasn’t, then you can try making it by using our recipe,” adds Zachou.
