Chorizo Carbonara
I first tried Carbonara the summer of 1988, in Corfu during my summer vacation in Greece. This pasta dish is made with eggs, lots of black pepper, diced guanciale (or pancetta) and here in Canada, bacon does the trick too! Traditionalists will scream if you add cream (ha-ha) and if you make a Carbonara properly, […]
Pavlova With Greek Yogurt and Vissino
A few days ago I shared my Pavlova recipe. Here, I’ve combined it with the simple Greek offering of Greek yogurt and Vissino (sour cherry spoon sweet). I served this a couple of years ago when I was guest Chef at a St. Sophia banquet in Los Angeles. It was a big hit and continues […]
Pavlova With Lemon Curd and Fruit
Named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this New Zealand-created dessert is easy and the combinations are endless! On your plate, a pavlova consists of a meringue nest (the base of the dessert) followed by a pastry cream, lemon curd and topped with fruit. This dish takes little time and you’ll impress your guests this summer […]
Frigania From Zakynthos
Three years ago, I visited the island of Zakynthos, located among the Ionian Islands, off the coast of Patras. My hotel was located in the island’s main town and specifically near Solomos (Dionysios) Square, named after the poet who wrote the Greek National Anthem’s lyrics. I ordered one of the island’s specialties, the “Frigania” from […]
Strawberry Shortcakes
I’ve gone head-first into the abundance of local strawberries. Last weekend I went to pick my own from a farm just north of Toronto and I knew I had to make strawberry shortcake(s). The recipe can be assembled as cake (use a round spring form pan, cut cake in half to make two cake rounds), […]
Cretan-Style Greek Salad
There are many variations/substitutions/additions to a Greek Salad. The basics are tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, olives, dried Greek oregano, extra-virgin olive. In the Cyclades, they will use their local soft, tangy Mizithra instead of Feta, many islands add barley rusks making it a panzanella, additons of capers or caper leaves, purslane garnish, use of pickled […]
Best Pancakes Recipe
This is an updated recipe that uses the milk and white vinegar hack to make buttermilk and….buttermilk-ish pancakes. I usually don’t have buttermilk around but I make pancakes almost weekly. This recipe came to me via Instagram @theyoungnonna who shared Chef Danny Smiles (Le Bremner Chef) recipe. The recipe makes 6-7 pancakes and doubling up […]
Brioche Burger Buns
I am BIG on burgers and like any other sandwich (yes burgers belong to the sandwich realm), you need good bread to make a great burger. These brioche buns are easy to make, taste better than anything I’ve bought at the supermarket and they will make your burgers sing like Bocelli! Brioche Buns (makes approx. […]
Corn Bread
This cornbread is one I’ve been making for years. It’s easy, versatile and you can easily substitute cheeses or other flavourings with the basic corn bread recipe. It’s easy, not too sweet, a hint of heat from the Jalapenos and the cheddar on top gives almost a crunchy texture. Good with ribs, fried chicken a […]
Live Webinar – Phyllo From Scratch
I am excited to be back in the kitchen. This will be my second live cooking class open to people all around the world! Participants will experience a LIVE demonstration and be able to join in the conversation while following along at home. Each participant will receive detailed recipes for making a Master Phyllo Dough Recipe plus […]