Pantry

Greek Lent (Sarakosti) Recipe Round-up

Apr 14th, 2013 | By
Greek Lent (Sarakosti) Recipe Round-up

      As a convenience to the many readers of this blog, I’ve amassed all the Lenten (and Lent-friendly) dishes that I have posted thus far. Most of the dishes are Greek and appropriate for Lent and some are foreign but due to their ingredients, they fit in nicely with the Greek Lent in [...]



Spaghetti With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Dry Mizithra Cheese

Mar 12th, 2013 | By
Spaghetti With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Dry Mizithra Cheese

Last weekend brought the end to the meat-eating phase of Apokries (Greek Carnival) and now Greeks are in the homestretch – the last week of Apokries. It’s Tyrini or Cheesefare Week with many Greeks forgoing meat and only eating dishes with cheese…lots of cheese! Pasta’s popularity goes beyond the happy bellies of Italian diners and [...]



Greek Christmas Gift Guide 2012

Dec 1st, 2012 | By
Greek Christmas Gift Guide 2012

This year I am jumping in early and joining the other Christmas wish lists out there circulating. If you’re a regular visitor of this site then you are Greek, have Greek friends or family or you just love everything Greek. Below are some gift ideas I have compiled with a little Canadiana mixed in. Some [...]



Candias Oil From Crete

Apr 19th, 2012 | By
Candias Oil From Crete

Last month when I went down to “the Danforth” (Toronto’s Greektown) for the March 25th Greek Independence Day parade I sadly found out that one of the oldest Greek general stores was closing. Could it that many Greeks live in the ‘burbs and buy their ingredients elsewhere? Or do they buy from non-Greek businesses like [...]



Phyllo Pies For Sale!

Mar 9th, 2012 | By
Phyllo Pies For Sale!

This is one of the most exciting moments since this blog first began back in May of 2007. After many hours of learning the craft [...]



Have Knives, Will Travel

Feb 8th, 2012 | By
Have Knives, Will Travel

Happy Chef was kind enough to send me a sample to review.  I was sent a set of nine chef knives plus a nylon case for travel. The set begins with a 9″ chef knife and at the other end of the spectrum is a 12″ sharpening steel, carving fork and kitchen scissors. I liked [...]



Batzos Saganaki

Dec 20th, 2011 | By
Batzos Saganaki

One of the cornerstones of Greek cuisine has to be it’s cheeses…varied in taste, texture and many offerings coming from all parts of the country. I brought a cheese from Greece is called Batzos – not Batsos (Greek slang for Police/Cop). Batzos come from northern Greece and more specifically from central to western Macedonia (Naoussa [...]



2011 Greek Christmas Gift Guide + Two Book Giveaways!!

Nov 25th, 2011 | By
2011 Greek Christmas Gift Guide + Two Book Giveaways!!

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 [...]



Pork Butt Gyro

Sep 26th, 2011 | By
Pork Butt Gyro

This past summer in Greece I cemented my affections for pork butt, a particular cut of pork that’s diverse, very forgiving to cook with and it always come out juicy and delicious. The pork butt comes from the front end of the pig (nowhere near its rear), located near the shoulder. It’s not as pretty [...]



Cockles (Κυδωνια)

Aug 26th, 2011 | By
Cockles (Κυδωνια)

Cockles are a type of clam that’s found in the Mediterranean and “it warms my cockles” when my good friend George brings me some from when he goes diving. Had I received more I would have made a simple pasta with white wine, garlic, lemon zest and juice and fresh parsley. I only received a [...]