Baklava (Μπακλαβάς)
Finally…a baklava recipe and some background and opinion on this dessert, popular all around the world. The origins of Baklava can be traced to Turkey (which is fine by me) and rather than focus on the differences between Greeks and Turks, I try and focus on the similarities between the two peoples. Relations between the […]
Creme Brulee With Mastic
Cooking, food, menu planning is as much about your culinary upbringing as it is about your instincts. Sometimes I’m wrong about a recipe or new riff on a classic. Thank goodness I’m right most of the time. Case in point was this Creme Brulee with Mastic. Although there are some savory applications for mastic, it […]
Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Salad)
Recipe update from 06/06/2007 In the summer in Greece, this Greek dip can often be found at tavernas among the several Mezedes (appetizers) ordered by a group of friends and it’s most definitely on the table at home for family & friends. The “must-do” for this recipe is char-roasting the eggplant in a gas or […]
Skinos on the Rocks
Most of you are enjoying a leisurely Easter long weekend. I do hope you’re spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and good cheer. Today I’m going to introduce to you Skinos, a liqueur made from mastic (mastiha) gum. Mastiha is a resinous sap produced from the trunk and branches of the Mastic […]
Grilled Sweetbreads, an intro to Offal
The sweetbreads I’m discussing and cooking with today are considered offal. To look at sweetbreads, one would make the common mistake of thinking they are brains (in fact they are not). Sweetbreads come from the thymus glands, located at the chest entry, just before the trachea. They are only found in young animals as they […]
Greek Roasted Potatoes
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines preheat your ovens. From the time it takes you to read this article, peel some potatoes and dress them with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs, you’re going have some spuds in the oven and it less than hour, those crispy, golden-brown potatoes you love and enjoy at your […]
Rotisserie Leg of Lamb
I’ve thought carefully on whether to post the recipes from this past Easter in clusters or individually. I’ve chosen the latter for the simple reason of keeping the clarity of recipes in the archives of the blog and to make them easier to search for. You might get a flurry of posts from me in […]
Greek Easter v.2009
Hristos Anesti (Christ Has Risen)! I would like to wish all of my Greek family, friends, philHellenes who celebrated Easter yesterday. I hope your day was filled with many fond memories, that the Gods blessed you with some good Spring weather and the banquet of Easter delights exceeded all your expectations. Despite the gloomy forecast […]
Greek Easter Rituals
I’m often asked why us Greeks celebrate Easter on a different day than everyone else. This question is only partly true as I can recall when our Easter fell on the same day as the Catholic Easter. A calculation is made and there are three main factors that affect the date: It is based on […]
Cuttlefish With Saffron and Potatoes
Cuttlefish are an under-appreciated member of the cephalopod family. It’s cousins the octopus and squid seem to get all the attention at the party. The cuttlefish can be quickly grilled over high heat or braised until fork tender. The next time you visit your fishmonger, ask him/her if they have any cuttlefish. Chances are they […]