There is one dessert that reminds me of yiayia Anneta, whose kitchen I grew up in. While she made multiple types of traditional desserts that I associate with her, this one in particular no one else that I knew made. It is a ricotta based cheescake that is a regional sepcialty to Kefalonia, where we … Continue reading Mizithropita (Ricotta Cheesecake) from Kefalonia
I was first introduced to the za’atar spice blend by a Lebanese client of mine, who had me over and pulled out some za’atar bread, cheese, tea & a hookah pipe for us to share. The next day I found a middle eastern market, purchased a jar, and have been in love with the spice … Continue reading Za’atar Chicken Thighs
Vlita are nearly every Greeks favorite greens. Because they are hard to find in the US, they tend to create nostalgia among us Greek Americans. Vlita from Mary & Yianni’s garden. I had visited my friend Mary the other day, and her husband offered to cut me a few bunches from their garden. They are … Continue reading Vlita – Boiled Amaranth Greens
Cactus or Prickly Pears always remind me of our visit to Greece in 1982. I have a distinct memory of my yiayia Artanoula taking my sister and me on a short walk (and climb) to the field behind her home to pick some prickly pears. In Greece they are called “fragosyka”, and in Kefalonia “barbarosyka” … Continue reading Prickly Pear Salad
This is one of the simplest and loveliest salads based around burrata cheese. Burrata salad Burrata is an artisan cheese made with cow or buffalo milk. It has a soft outer mozzarella shell and a creamy center and hails from the region of Apulia, Italy. It became a way to use up mozzarella scraps in … Continue reading Burrata Salad
This right here, is my husband’s favorite dip! Tirokafteri literally means hot (spicy) cheese. It is made with wonderful creamy, salty feta, Greek yogurt, Florina peppers, garlic, olive oil & red pepper flakes. Traditionally served with warm bread or pita. I also love it with a plate of cool crispy crudités (veggie sticks), pita chips … Continue reading Tirokafteri- Spicy Feta Dip
Does anyone not love ribs? They are up there on my favorite things list! I always order them at a barbecue joint, but up until a few years ago, I hadn’t ever made them. What I have learned is that they are super easy to cook! I slow cook then for 3 hours at 300 … Continue reading Dry Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
One of my favorite childhood foods. My mother always made the best chicken drumsticks.Lemon oregano chicken drumsticks! So simple, yet roasted to perfection. If you are a bread eater (keto or not), the sauce that is created in the pan, is the most flavorful to dip your bread in! Ingredients: 10-12 chicken drumsticks 1/2 cup … Continue reading Greek Lemon Oregano Chicken Drumsticks
This is one of my favorite traditional Greek dips. The first time I ate it, I was in a restaurant in Astoria, NY, which is NYC’s Greek town & is full of some of the most authentic Greek restaurants & markets in the United States. Melintzanosalata You start by roasting your eggplants. I do that … Continue reading Melintzanosalata, Greek Eggplant Dip
Roasting nuts is like a guilty pleasure for me. That beautiful aroma that wafts through the kitchen from your oven is addicting. Roasting nuts deepens their flavor, making it more complex and earthy. I have a preference for savory over sweet when it comes to nuts. However, if you have a basic recipe such as … Continue reading Salted Buttered Pecans
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