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2011 Greek Christmas Gift Guide + Two Book Giveaways!!

Peter Minakis — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:58:02 +0000

Christmas is less than a month away and it’s time to get shopping and buy those presents for those important in your life. Much like last year, I’ve compiled a selection of gifts that would interest the Greek in your life or the philhellene. There’s something for everybody here and gift ideas that suit all budgets.

Many Greeks believe in the evil eye and we’ll hang charms on cars, in homes, walls and even wear jewelry to ward off the evil eye. Take your pick of which you like and give some as Christmas presents.

If I can make bread, anyone can! Ever since I bought a pizza stone I can now make killer homemade bread and pizza better than most pizzerias.

The Euro Cup 2012 is on next year and one of “good news” stories to come out of Greece is that the Greek National team has already qualified. Wouldn’t you look good sporting a Greek soccer jersey as Team ELLAS tries to repeat 200 glory?

One of the best ways to enjoy Greek coffee is to prepare it using a brass Briki...the more traditional – the better I say.

Since we’re on the subject of Greek coffee, if you want to splurge or treat the Greek coffee lover – buy a “Hovoli” where the coffee is made in the Hovoli where the Briki is placed in hot sand then once it froths, the coffee is poured into the demi tasse. Pricey but the best way to make Greek coffee.

One of the cherished items I brought back from Greece was this mortar & pestle made of olive wood. I think you should have one too!

Pamper yourself and your skin with Greek olive oil soap. I swear, you’ll stay young-looking and delay that appointment with the plastic surgeon.

One of my favourite comprehensive Greek cookbooks has to be Tessa Kiros’ “From Many Greek Kitchens”. The photography is beautiful, nostalgic, the recipes easy and delicious.

Mastiha is a spice that comes from the island of Chios, in the northeast Aegean Sea. My friends at Mastihashop NY have created these gorgeous gift sets that include some products with mastiha, olive oil and other Greek food stuffs. Below are just some of the gift sets available and you can call or email them for prices, gift descriptions and prices.

Rosa Eskanazi was the Queen of Rebetiko music and this movie “My Sweet Canary” about her life and music is my favourite “foreign film” of the year and the soundtrack is amazing too!

Here’s a couple of book giveaways: The Mastihashop has donated the cookbook “Mastiha Cuisine” by my friend Diane Kochilas. This book’s recipes all contain the unique spice from Chios – mastiha.Earlier this year I met cookbook author Maria Speck when she came to Thessaloniki to visit her mom. Her book “Ancient Grains for Modern Meals” was included in the New York Times’ Notable Cookbooks of 2011 list! I am giving away her book as my Christmas present to my readers.

To be eligible to win one of the two cookbooks, all you have to do is leave a comment and tell me which cookbook you would prefer to receive. One comment only, draw to be held Dec. 18th, 2011. Book giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only. Good luck!