Koliva
Ingredients
- 1 cup hulled wheat
- 4 cup water
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup chopped nuts walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup raisins golden or regular
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
- 1 tsp cinnamon and other spices to taste
For the Topping
- 1 cup fine crumbs graham crackers
- 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
- 1/4 - 1/2 pound sugar-coated almonds or Jordan Almonds
Instructions
- Rinse, drain and cook the wheat in the water according to package instructions (about 1 hour in boiling water) - For help, visit: http://www.tasteofhome.com/healthy/live-well/smart-eating/how-to-cook-whole-grains
- Drain wheat and put into large bowl. Blanch it (cover with very cold water) to stop the cooking. Allow the wheat to drain overnight.
- The morning of the memorial service, mix together the wheat, nuts, raisins, herbs, and spices.
- Transfer to serving bowl. Use wax paper to flatten the top of the koliva in the bowl.
- Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the koliva mixture.
- Sift the powdered sugar to coat the top.
- Decorate the top with the sugar-coated almonds. It is traditional to make a cross in the center.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Make sure to arrive early at the service to give the koliva and a list of names of your departed friends and family members to the priest.