In the Bulgarian Orthodox church tradition, Zhito is a sweet dish made at a person’s panahzda, a ceremony of commemoration after their death. In old times, the abundance or lack of wheat could determine life and death.
2 c soft wheat berries, hulled or shelled
1 ts salt
1 c graham cracker crumbs and more to sprinkle on top
1 1/2 c pounded to pieces walnuts
2 lemon zest
1/2 c raisins
powdered sugar
Boil the wheat quietly until soft. Drain the water and spread the wheat to a thin layer on a tablecloth to dry for 2-3 hours. Place the wheat into a large bowl. Add the graham cracker crumbs, the walnuts and the zest. Mix well and transfer to a platter. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top and press down with palms to form a dome shape. Sprinkle with graham crumbs and then with thick layer powdered sugar. you could place a stencil with a cross design prior powdering the sugar.
Let us stqy hungry in life and let us discover what we are hungry for.
Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die. – The Bible