Today has been bread making day in my kitchen.This is lagana. It is a traditional flatbread that we eat on “Kathara Deutera”, called Clean Monday. You might call it Ash Monday, as the Catholic equivalent to this is Ash Wednesday. We enter the Lenten period leading up to Easter joyously. This day (tomorrow) is a … Continue reading Lagana – Greek Flat Bread
This is a vlitopita! It’s my first time making it. What to do with so much vlita (amaranth plants) that I have? Use some in a pita! So this savory pie is one of the very many Greek pites that we see all over Greece. Everyone knows spanakopita & tiropita. Those are only two! We make hundreds of them! Both sweet & savory.
Bougatsa is among many Greek favorites! This is the recipe that I have been using for over 20 years. It’s one of my most cherished treats to bake when I have dinner guests. I actually pop it in the oven during the time that we are eating dinner so that the scents waft from the … Continue reading Bougatsa- Baked Semolina Custard Pie
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
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
Avgolemono is one of the most nourishing soups that you will ever try! This is the traditional Greek version of chicken soup. While it appears creamy, it is really made with a mixture of eggs and lemon juice, and no dairy at all. There is a special trick to not curdling the eggs. You must … Continue reading Avgolemono Soup – Greek Chicken Soup
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
on xenia street 