Fanouropita

My mother makes pies so a husband will appear.

No, really. Let me explain. I’m Greek Cypriot and marriage is a big topic on our agenda…correction, it’s the only topic, especially if you’re a 30-year old single woman. Thirty may be young in other parts of the world, but here, in Cyprus, you’re merely inches away from being placed on a dusty shelf. Remember “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”? Put that on steroids and you might start to understand the situation.

So, the pie. It’s called Fanouropita from the Greek word fanerosi (φανέρωση) which means to ‘reveal’ or ‘manifest’ and it’s made when you’re looking for something. It’s usually a last resort and can be used for something as simple as losing your car keys and willing them to appear with confectionary, or, in my case, hoping a man will magically appear at the front door.

I always know when she’s making one because the procedure involves chanting a little prayer throughout the baking process. I will say this though, it tastes delicious! So if nothing else, it makes calories appear, lots of them.

So when the distinctive sweet smell wafts through the house (at a rate of about once a week lately) my mother and I have the following exchange:

Me: What are you making?

Mother: (with sheepish smile) Fanouropita.

Me: Why? Did you lose something?

Mother: No…

Me: Are you looking for something?

Mother: Maybe…

At this point, my aunt usually walks in and, not having my mother’s ‘discretion’, announces at full volume (the only level Cypriots have):

Fanouropita! Hopefully a GROOM will appear!!

Welcome to my life. My mother makes pies so a husband will appear.