Greek Style Peas – Arakas Latheros
This dish really shines when you’re using local, fresh green peas; in season late Spring/early Summer. Thankfully, we have high quality frozen vegetables that are “flash frozen”, preserving them for use in the off season. Frozen green peas shine. Arakas (green peas) Latheros are often found in open kitchen restaurants (magiria). They can be had […]
Phyllo Triangles With Cheese (Tyropitakia)
A standard when Greeks host parties, are Tyropitakia aka phyllo triangles filled with cheese. Commercial phyllo can be found at practically every supermarket and all Greek and middle eastern shops carry it as well. These are really easy, don’t let live in fear of phyllo – you got this! Phyllo Triangles With Cheese (Tyropitakia) […]
Smoked Cheese Croquettes
I love cheese. I love trying new varieties, from many countries, made from different milks, briny, soft, firm, semi-firm. Mild or stinky, sharp or creamy and smoked cheeses. Back in Greece, the most touted smoked cheese is Mestovone (from Metsovo). Here in Toronto, in its absence I used smoked gouda. It holds up well to […]
Cheese Pies with Figs
Last summer, during my vacation in Greece, I visited the island of Naxos for the second time. The first time was a quick and I had it in the back of my mind to revisit this island with it’s delicious local products and cuisine. I had the pleasure of lunching at highly regarded taverna “Axiotissa” […]
Cream Filled Diples
December is almost here and you’re planning (or already) making your holiday treats. We may not have as many visitors or visiting as many people this year but there’s nothing to stop you from gifting a box of cookies and pastries. Besides Melomakarona and Kourabiedes (standard Greek Christmas cookies), many families from the Peloponnese will […]
Chicken Souvlaki
Autumn is definitely here and winter threatened to stay earlier this week with our first snowfall. Warm temps returned, the snow melted overnight and we’ve had a bright and sunny weekend. If there’s an opportunity to grill, I embrace it. Greeks do not eat souvlaki all the time but we are known for putting practically […]
Seared Calf Liver with Caramelized Onions
Up until about a few years ago, I hated liver – couldn’t stomach it. It smelled nice whenever my parents would fry it up with onions. I would try it on occasion – one bite and with half a chew, I would place a napkin toward my mouth and expel it. Won’t go down. Fast-forward […]
Chestnut Stifado
If you’re familiar with Greek cuisine, then you’ve heard of Stifado. It’s a slow cooked dish usually containing lots of onions, spices and either rabbit or hare. In modern Greek cooking, beef or veal have also become a favourites. Like many cuisines, there are regional differences and such is the case with this Cretan inspired […]
Feta Brined Turkey Breast, Chestnut Stuffing and Make Ahead Gravy
American Thanksgiving is coming up this Thursday and Christmas is just over a month away. Both dinners center around a roast turkey plus whatever fixins’ and sides you may prepare plus some ethnic dishes that your family likes to serve on special occasions. Our holidays will be different this year – smaller gathering and that […]
Not So Secret Burger Sauce
If you love burgers, you’ve probably had a Big Mac or if you’ve been to California, an In N’ Out Burger. This sauce is more like the latter, a fave when I’m making burgers at home. Not So Secret Burger Sauce 1/2 cup mayo 2 Tbsp. relish 3 Tbsp. ketchup 1 1/2 tsp. sugar 1 […]