Great Lent
This is the final week of fasting before Easter Sunday. Greeks will vary in the manner in which they conduct their fast but it’s safe to say the majority will eat meatless and dairy-free until after midnight when we arrive back home to eat a waiting bowl of Magheritsa. For those not in the know, […]
Olive Bread (Ελιόψωμο)
Next week is home stretch for the Greeks’ Great Lent. Our family (like many other Greeks around the world) will surely fast right up until when the bells strike midnight on “Megalo Sabbato” and we crack those first Easter eggs and shout “Christos Anesti” or Christ has risen! One of foods we will be eating […]
Crisp Roasted Potatoes
I’ve found myself in a flurry of activities this week. I’ve been tending to my mom’s every whim as she’s just completed her second knee replacement, I have tax returns to tend to, client meetings, working on some surprises for my blog while in Greece and today… I have to sit all day in a […]
Got My Freak On For Feta
For most people, a block of feta cheese this size would last awhile. In a Greek home, this “piece” wouldn’t see the end of the week. Here’s a little tidbit for those of you who buy “crumbled feta” at the supermarket: see the piece of feta missing from the front corner of this brick? That […]
Briam Florinis (Μπριαμ-Φλωρινης)
When I was growing up, I was forced to eat what my parents ate and endless arguments and bratty moping took place until a winner came out on top. Conversely, I also missed out on alot of dishes that my parents didn’t like. My father, to this day, has not and will not eat chicken. […]
Okra With Veal
Another staple of the Greek kitchen are okra. Okra is used alot in southern US cooking, Afro-American “soul food”, the Louisiana dish of Gumbo’s main ingredient is okra and in the Caribbean, Callaloo gets the okra treatment. Okra look and taste similar to beans but then are obviously thicker and taper like a thin pepper. […]
Army of Baked Vegetables
A few weeks ago I was watching Food Network Canada and Michael Smith, a retired chef and food personality was dishing up some great food. He featured a Parmesan Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes and the simplicity and sheer beauty of the dish caught my eye. In the first photo, I followed his recipe closely and […]
Feeling Nostalgic
I can’t remember the last time I’ve had iceberg lettuce (other than for a garnish). Either we’re all too busy eating other greens or we just aren’t eating enough of them. I’ve seen a movement where people are introducing this much maligned leaf back into their diets.Let’s face it…iceberg lettuce on it’s own is quite […]
The Paisano in Me
From as early as I can recall, I’ve always enjoyed pasta dishes and I’m pleased that there are endless pastas, recipes and combinations yet to be tried out. First, here’s a gift from me, well…a gift from Barilla pasta. A couple of weeks ago, Mario Batali guested on Rachel Ray’s talk show and he shared […]
The Day After Valentine’s
So last night, I went out to my regular drinking hole, The Artful Dodger pub and I knocked back a few pints, shared some laughs with regulars and commented on the absence of some other regulars. The pub was quieter than usual and that’s fine, it was Valentine’s but half the regulars who didn’t show […]
