Koliva

DAY BEFORE

1. Wash and clean whole wheat berries GOOD

2. Put in pot, cover with a couple inches of water

3. Let water boil and then reduce to simmer 15-20 min (I left them in a log longer)

4. While this is happening, toast sesame seeds.

5. Blend sesame seeds in food processor with shelled walnuts (pulse about three times for right consistency).

6. Add white raisins to mix.

7. Turn off stove and leave the lid on until berries swell

8. Strain berries, rinse with cold water (the water will be yellow - rinse until clear)

9. Let berries sit in strainer

10. Spread berries out on towel and leave out overnight

NEXT DAY

1. Mix sesame seeds, walnuts, and white raisins with some bread crumbs (optional).

2. Add cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar (I put in less than half cup)

3. As late as possible:

   1. Put wheat on tray

   2. Cover with powdered sugar (sugar becomes caked if put on early)

   3. Use wax paper on top of sugar to smooth it out

   4. Decorate with Jordan almonds (can put initial with cross with the almonds)