Archive for January 2009
Jan 29th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis The sister dessert to Baklava has to be Kataifi. The more common and popular dessert is baklava but don’t let that keep you from trying out this dessert that’s easy to assemble, fabulous to look at and ever a delight to eat. Much like Baklava, Kataifi exists in the dessert repertoire of Greek, Turkish, Middle [...]
Posted in Baking, Butter, Dessert, Greek, Honey, Nuts, Phyllo, Recipe, Syrup | 79 comments
Jan 27th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis On many occasions I’ve referred to the Greek eating experience as being centered around many sample plates of foods that are shared over drinks, conversation among family and friends. Greek cuisine has alot of appetizers, usually simply prepared but the array is great and the diversity even more so. One facet of Greek appetizers or [...]
Posted in Armenian, Beef, Charcuturie, Curing, Greek, How To, Recipe, Salt, Spices, Turkish | 55 comments
Jan 25th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis This past Friday I drank & supped with some old and new friends and discovered a new eatery that’s operated in Toronto for years. I supped at none other than Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant. Upon pulling up in front of what used to be a bank, you wonder if you’re at the right [...]
Posted in Herbs, Italian, Lamb, Main, Pasta, Sauce, Spices, Vegetables | 74 comments
Jan 23rd, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis Roast some red peppers. Place in a paper bag to sweat for 30 minutes or so and peel the charred skins off. Season with sea [...]
Posted in Bread, Cheese, Greek, Herbs, Olive Oil, Recipe, Sandwich, Snacks, Vegetables, Vegetarian | 68 comments
Jan 21st, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis I am enjoying this January from an eating perspective. It’s been refreshing to look and enjoy meals that are on the lighter side without sacrificing taste or neglecting your hungry stomach. Last week’s Fish a la Spetsiota was warmly embraced by you my readers and it appears it’s caught the attention of some at Food [...]
Posted in Baking, Fish, Greek, Herbs, Main, Olive Oil, Recipe, Seafood, Vegetables | 69 comments
Jan 18th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis I would serve up something like this. Steaks aren’t really part of the traditional Greek diet. There isn’t much by way of aged steaks like we know here North America. Beef and veal are most used for braising, stews and mince. There are some butchers who have know-how to butcher cows with an eye towards [...]
Posted in Beef, Cheese, Dairy, Herbs, Main, Mushrooms, Potato, Steak, Vegetables | 86 comments
Jan 16th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis Many, many years ago…1990 to be exact, I was working for a Canadian bank in my first “adult” job and being at the bottom of the ladder, I was given a mere ten days for vacation and that vacation could only be taken after the summer holidays (when those with seniority and children came back [...]
Posted in Baking, Bread, Fish, Herbs, Main, Recipe, Sauce, Seafood, Wine | 66 comments
Jan 14th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a pasta dish. It’s not that I haven’t been eating pasta (I have) but I’m also not going to bore you with another Bolognese recipe or any other standard pasta dish that most of us regularly enjoy. Instead, it’s time to showcase another rustic dish, filling yet light on [...]
Posted in Greek, Main, Pasta, Recipe, Sauce, Vegetables, Vegetarian | 56 comments
Jan 12th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis Ever since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed eating mushrooms. My earliest recollection of eating mushrooms were a batch sauted and smothered in butter and garlic, like Greek mom’s do. I enjoy mushrooms on pizza, mushroom soup, a baby spinach salad with sliced mushrooms, mushroom crepes, pasta with a mushroom sauce or part of [...]
Posted in Appetizer, Frying, Greek, Greek Wine, Meze, Mushrooms, Recipe | 65 comments
Jan 11th, 2009 |
By Peter Minakis Last month, just in time for Christmas, my dear friend Nuria of Spanish Recipes sent me a package containing vacuum-sealed Iberian Acorn Ham. For those not in the know, Iberian Acorn Ham is a cured ham which is only produced in Spain the meat comes from free-range hogs that feed on only what’s in the [...]
Posted in Appetizer, Bread, MISC, Pork, Preserving, Spanish | 45 comments