The biggest Greek New Years tradition, is the baking and cutting of the Vasilopita! It is the St. Basil’s cake. There is a hidden coin, called a flouri in it, and when we cut the cake, the winner of that coin is granted good luck for the new year. This day is observed for our … Continue reading Vasilopita- Brandy & Orange New Years Cake
Melomakarona are Greek honey cookies. They are very popular during the holiday season. We make them early in December and continue to enjoy them through the New Year. The cookies are spiced with cinnamon, clove and orange. And finally they are soaked in a delicious honey syrup. Greeks love their traditions. In fact we are … Continue reading Melomakarona- Greek Honey Cookies
Growing up, kourabiedes were my favorite Christmas cookie. They were available to us at home throughout all of December. My mother and my yiayia made sure of it! They are a butter cookie that are studded with chopped, roasted almonds. I blanch my almonds, though you don’t have to. The batter can have either cognac … Continue reading Kourabiedes -Greek Almond & Butter Christmas Cookies
It’s the tail end of fig season, and I thought how lovely would it be to make a jar of fig jam. I have added a little fresh woodsy rosemary to enhance the floral flavor of the fig. A cinnamon stick for earthiness, lemon zest for brightness, and a hint of vanilla to enhance the … Continue reading Fig & Rosemary Jam
Have you ever had pastitsio? The famous Greek pasta bake? The one that is layered with pasta, a cinnamon fragranced meat sauce, and a thick layer of creamy bechamel? You know the one that every Greek swears that their mother or yiayia make the most amazing one ever? Yes! That’s the one! Every single Greek … Continue reading Pastitsio
Who else loves just about everything that is pumpkin? Reminiscent of cozy nights and cooler days. Everywhere you look you will find them come mid September. I just know that you will love this wonderful phyllo wrapped pumpkin pita called a kolokithopita! Sometimes we make this kolokithopita savory & sometimes we make it sweet! I … Continue reading Kolokithopita- Phyllo Wrapped Pumpkin Pita
Every single Greek household has a recipe. Gemista are considered healthy, home cooked comfort food. And while there is a standard universal recipe, every cook brings their unique touch and love to this dish! I grew up eating them stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, rice and vegetables. In other households, they were stuffed … Continue reading Gemista – Greek Stuffed Summer Vegetables
During the hot summers, ice cream is always a favorite around here! Years ago I discovered how to make no churn ice cream and I haven’t turned back since. And you can create any flavor that you wish! This one is made with baklava and a touch of ouzo. Who doesn’t love baklava? Wonderful phyllo … Continue reading No Churn Baklava Ice Cream
Keftedakia are Greek meatballs. This is Mama Julia’s recipe (my mom), who got it from her mother, yiayia Anneta. Very simple to make! I have been eating them this way since I was a child. Note that these are eyeball estimates, so you can play with the amounts to your liking. Old school home cooks … Continue reading Keftedakia- Greek Meatballs
Every Greek chef has their own version of briam, also known as tourlou tourlou. In simple terms it’s roasted mixed vegetables. Zucchini, eggplant, and onion seem to be a staple of the dish. However you can also add potatoes and peppers. Some use fresh tomatoes, while others use tomato sauce. Across the internet you will … Continue reading Briam – Tourlou Tourlou
on xenia street 