On Xenia Street is where I fell in love with food. I experiment with traditional recipes & modify some of my Greek favorites in order to make them ketolicious!
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
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
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
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
Across the globe you will find recipes for that mythical cure all called chicken soup! I remember both my mother and grandmother simmering the whole chicken in a stock pot, and adding the herbs and vegetables. How soothing it was on a cold or rainy day. How better it made you feel if you were … Continue reading Chicken Stock
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
Are you looking for a lovely & light dessert with very simple ingredients? Look no further than this easy baked yogurt cake! I flavored it with a little orange zest and vanilla. I had some yogurt that had to be eaten by a certain date, so I decided to use some of it in a … Continue reading Easy Baked Yogurt Cake
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