Greece 2008 Comes to a Close
Sep 7th, 2008 | By Peter Minakis | Category: Breakfast, Dairy, Dessert, Fruit, Nuts, Recipe, figs
I’m back and in a bitter-sweet way. It’s good to be back in Canada after another wonderful, memorable and fantastic time vacationing in Greece.
Although I wish I could still be in Greece, all things must come to an end and I don’t want to get sick of Greece and I always leave unfinished business (an excuse to go back to Greece each year).
Most of the goals I had set out to accomplish on my vacation were met. I met up with friends, caught up with family, made some new friends and took in some winery tours and did a taping for a “Kalofagas” promo.
Throughout my entire vacation, good food & drink was shared and I’m delighted to bring back more fresh & exciting Greek food ideas for you.
Each year that I go back to Greece I learn more about the best cuisine out there (Okay, I’m biased) with the help of the food wisdom from friends and relatives.
To me, the resumption of blogging just after my return from Greece is like a “a new season” for Kalofagas! There will be plenty of days and posts to share my vacation with you (so please be patient).
Let me start off with a quick and easy dessert or breakfast option for you.
In Halkidiki, Greece from August 15th until early September, tree-ripened figs can be had and if you lucky like me, you’re surrounded by countless fig trees where one cannot pick or eat all of nature’s bounty.
This yogurt parfait is inspired by a product I ate made by Activia, who offers a fruit bottom yogurt with figs.
The concept is quite simple…instead of serving honey with strained Greek yogurt, my not substitute with marmalade-like center of the ripened fig?
Yes, that’s right…a tree-ripened fig is that sweet…like marmalade.
Simply spoon in some dollops of strained yogurt into a bowl (or go a little fancy with a tall glass) and layer the meat of the figs with the yogurt.
The tangy Greek yogurt plays off really well against the very sweet insides of the figs.
If you haven’t eaten a tree-ripened fig, you must make it a personal foodie goal…you’ll never buy a basket of those bland excuses for figs you find at the market for a $1 a piece.
Enjoy!
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Welcome back, Peter!
Yeah, make me insane with your stories of tree-ripened figs, will ya?
welcome back
The yogurt parfait looks really pretty ^^
Peteeeeeerrr, welcome back:))
I am sure you had a wonderful time in Greece and you are “full” of special greek recipes.
Next year you should visit “our places”, I think you will like them.
Long time no hear Peter. Nice dessert. And yes, I agree, gutted the games are over!
Cheers
David
Hurrah – you’re back! You’ve definintely been missed
And OH, what a way to get back into blogging after the holiday! That bowl of figs looks obscenely good and the breakfast/dessert is inspirational. Now, if only we can get enough sun here in England to ripen a fig…
)
Welcome back Peter! Nice to see you made it back safe and sound. Look forward to hearing more about your adventures. The figs look great with that yogurt…a nice comeback!
Welcome back, Peter! Glad to hear you had a great time, and I am definitely looking forward to hearing more about it. I really need to get back to Greee. I haven’t been in way too long. This breakfast treat looks fabulous! I love anything with figs so I am totally on board. Mmm.
Welcome home, my friend. Thanks for breakie, it looks wonderful.
I made sure the evenings were nice and cool when you returned so that you could sleep comfortably.
I have left you an award on my site this morning, sweetie.
Cheers.
Welcome back. You know you’re only allowed to take these little vacations if you promise to share all the food you’ve eaten. You knew that didn’t you? OK, good.
welcome back–i’m surprised you actually returned. i’m sure it was hard to leave.
great parfait–it’s super unique and sounds fabulous!
welcome back and bring on the food!
welcome back P.! nice and healthy dessert, I love figs with yoghurt
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip…you and a few of the other great Greek food bloggers out there put a trip to Greece high on my list of things I want to do. Glad to hear that you’re back and well…and wow, those figs really do beat the hell out of the ones I can buy.
Welcome home! I love figs, but have only tasted store-bought, I envy your fresh from the tree treat.
I just found out I love figs. My Grandpa used to eat Fig Newtons and I figured this is a true rendition of what a fig tastes like and didn’t like it. Then I tasted a fresh fig right off of a family fig tree. . .WoW! Sweet, light, and delicious! I am now forever a fan and this parfait looks so fresh and delicious with a perfect showing of fresh figs. Yum!
Welcome back! I hope you got very inspired — I can’t wait to see what you’re going to show us!
Hey Peter! It’s great to have you back, though you don’t look too happy to be back.
As for the parfaits–simply elegant. I madeone last week with Greek yogurt, figs, pistachios, and orange that was delicious, now I’ve got to try a version with the marmalade.
awwww that face, so sad. Well, everyone here in food-blogger land are happy to have you back, myself included. I can’t wait to see the vacation photo’s of the gorgeous blue waters of Greece.
Jen, thanks for your patience and do try this with yogurt.
Nuria, it's good to be back (I think). I hope you had a restful vacation.
Sam, I've had this simple pairing on my mind for awhile and it indeed worked.
Antonia, the ladder is your friend – time to employ your man to get up and fetch ya some figs.
Kat, thanks…the kind welcome from all of you is heart-warming.
Nat, I'm delighted to hear that you tried a dish and that your guests enjoyed it…more to come?
Ivy, thanks so much…I have a wonderful time in Greece and "to xprono".
Rosa, thanks…it was a grand vacation.
Kittie, thanks…all the details will come in time.
Sticky…glad you know I'm talking about (fresh figs). I refuse to buy the ones in the market.
Jan, thank you so much and your never-ending support…is Janet-astic!
Foody, not sure if I'm lucky, it cost me $1300 to get to Greece…I deserve a fresh fig or two, non?
Thanks Katerina!
Jenn, I go through this post-vacation depression each year…it'll pass…with good food!
Cul/graphy…thanks!!
THanks Jenn…I'm getting in the writing mood again.
Glamah darling…thanks…the B-King is rested & ready to roll!
Costas, no pics of olive oil but you know it everywhere. One day I will go to Greece in the fall for the harvest.
Bridgett, nothing like a fresh, ripe fig!
Jen, pick the figs off the trees when they are soft and twist off the branch easily…pure marmalade!
Thanks Arundathi!
Marjie, soon I'll share my vacation food inspirations.
Lori, you are lucky…enjoy those fresh figs!
SF photos…I wish I could eat some more figs now!
Judy, I have special "rub it in" pics just for you! lol
Paula, you're right…I'm sharing Greece with all of you…it's my pleasure!
Thank you Ann!
Marie, all will be revealed in due time.
Cathy, thanks so much…you're a kind regular…love reading your comments!
Thanks SusanD!
Maria, glad to trigger fond memories for you!
Allen, I admit, I casually came back from vacation..sue me! lol
MAry, vacations ending do suck but hey…next year again!
Sandie, such is the end of a vacation but we need something to anticipate for next yr. too!
Lori, I'm baaaack!
Gloria, good to back to such a warm reception!
Christine, thanks…this welcome makes the end of the vacation easier.
Heather, the inside of a fig looks different to me but that's just the perv in me.
Dragon…back!
Lulu, the Greek secret is that there are so many fig trees…enough for the birds and us humans!
Nina, I will make you hungry during brekkie anew!
Farida, it only rained once….fantastic weather!
Astra, glad to trigger a fond memory…Israel has some wonderful produce!
JS, I'm only sharing! lol
Noob, thanks!
Elena, thanks and it was good to at least chat with you. I too was thinking an in depth trip to the Pelloponese is due.
David thanks…the vacation is done for the yr.
Jeanne, let me know so I can grow some here in Canada too!
Pete, thanks mate…this food blog fraternity has been most comforting.
Elly, don't put it off anymore – go to Greece next year!
Natashya, thanks for thinking of me weatherwise…how can I repay you? lol
Prudy, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Grace, I even tried to extend my ticket but couldn't get a seat!
Andrew, bringin' it on!
Ioanna, thanks and I had a wonderful time meeting up!
Mike, you gotta try fresh figs (not the market ones).
Ohiomom…the fresh ones are to die for!
Shandy….better late than never, no?
Peter, very inspired!
Susan, come live in Canada during the winter and you'll mope too!
Dawn, thanks for the warmth and welcome…gots me some great pics!
Welcome back Peter! I have missed Kalofagas. I am really looking forward to finding out what you ate in Greece and seeing the results of your new inspiration!
Welcome back! Love the picture!
welcome back, Peter. Looking forward to your post-Greece posts.
I have never seen figs looking op good. Welcome back!
and I’ll add my welcome back to the chorus before me, Petras. And will also add that indeed I am looking forward to your upcoming postings of culinary delights!
And he’s back! Good to see you… even if it is a funny face you.
Nice photos. Looking forward to more from the trip.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! Peter’s back!!
Hope you had the best time ever, but I am really glad to see you again.
YAY! You’re back! I love the fig/yogurt parfait! SO genius!
Welcome home Peter (I think) – you’ve got your sucky baby face on. Just think of it as a mission to bring the amazing food of Greece to the rest of the world. The figs look so fresh – delightful.
A said face next to a photo of fresh figs?! That doesn’t seem very realistic Peter
at that’s the reason I didn’t buy them even if until now I only saw fresh figs in photos.
Today was the first time I found some fresh figs at the supermarket and I was thinking to myself “darn, I wish these would be from Greece” but they weren’t
I’m more than convinced they make a good pair with yoghurt an pistachios!
Wow! You’re back!! And you brought figs! My favorite!!
Peter the Greek is back!!!
Sounds like you had one helluva good time! You lucky bast… err you! I’m starting to sound bitter because i didn’t get a day off in three weeks. Arrgghh. Anyway, can’t wait to hear your stories. Those figs look absolutely incredible by the way, so plum and ripe. Yum!
i know how you feel – kalo heimona!
WELCOME BACK, Peter!! Those figs look so beautiful!! I have a basket in my kitchen that I bought at Costco that I’ll probably be disappointed with after looking at these photos, haha!
I’m glad to see you’re back and I can’t wait to read about your trip and learn about all the great ideas you brought back with you!
My goodness, these glass are so simple and deliciousIt is necessary that I test absolutely
PETER! You’re back! I’ve missed you, buddy!
Your fig parfait looks delicious–can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
I’ll have one of those please and a nice lone handles spoon so I can get right in to the edges!
I’ve been catching up on your posts… you crack me up
What a lovely vacation you had.
Ah! It’s so nice to have you back!! And with such a delicious post too!! Those figs are amazing- I totally agree with you that freshly picked ones are way better then what you get in supermarkets! When I was a kid, my grandfather (who has a fig tree in his garden) used to pick out ripe ones for me- they were the sweetest and most delicious figs I had ever had in my life!
Welcome back!
Now, you’re going to hate me… but I have loads of fig trees, and don’t really like them – too sweet.
But now you have me thinking – I’ll go down and pick a couple in the am and try them with yogurt. that might convert me. I really want to like them.. everybody else does, and I always like to conform…
Oh, new house? Even more fig trees… and a pomegranat ( I can’t spell it but I’m really excited about that!)
I just came here from Food Blogga. I like your site!
This is a fantastic idea — simple but delicious. Sadly fig season is at an end where I live so I’ll have to wait until next year to try it.