As far as I can tell, Greeks in Greece don’t actually own pets. I will admit that this presumption is based on limited observations, but I’ve really never seen anyone there with the stereotypical pet. One of my cousins once had some small birds (parakeets, I think), but I just don’t recall ever seeing anyone with pets like dogs or cats. Now don’t get me wrong, cats and dogs are definitely there. They just don’t seem to “belong” to anyone.
Continue reading Greeks and their “Pets”
Summer is on its way. There is no escaping it (unless you plan on visiting Antarctica). Long hot days are draining and air conditioning can only do so much. Is it any wonder that hotter regions of the world, like Greece, have traditionally taken a mid-day break? But once the break is over, there is no substitute for a cool pick-me-up with a kick to get you through the rest of the day.
Most of what you find in the grocery store that claims to be Greek Yogurt is really Greek-style yogurt. Big difference. Real Greek yogurt is made with certain strains of bacteria that lend a less tart flavor, and the final product is strained to remove the whey creating that thick and creamy texture Greek Yogurt is so famous for. Greek-style yogurt often uses the same cultures as “regular” yogurt and is thickened with things like pectin or gelatin. This is especially done for fat-free Greek yogurt, four words that really just shouldn’t be allowed to exist together. It’s not bad, it’s just not right. So let’s do it right!
Continue reading Greek Yogurt Recipe
I remember my mom attempting to make yogurt on only a few occasions while I was a kid. She assured me that it would taste much better than the store-bought. I’m sure I had a “seeing is believing” look on my face. The words may have even escaped my lips, who knows. I hated most plain yogurt then, and I still do. It’s too tart and is only palatable if heavily dosed with jam or honey. But my mom insisted that the kind her mother had made wasn’t like that.
Continue reading The Greek Yogurt Backstory
Welcome to Mostly Greek! I decided to start this site because I wanted to share my love for gardening, home made food, Greek culture, and living a sustainable and healthy life. The irony does not escape me that I got so caught up in figuring out web-page design that I had to resort to popping open a package of hot-dogs and a couple of cans of chili for dinner for my family. Oh well… Something about the best-laid plans.
I called this site “Mostly Greek” because that pretty much sums up what it is. I love Greek food, but I basically just love food. You’ll also find information on gardening and cultural traditions, recipes, stories, and more!)
Enjoy!
(The picture above is wee little me, not quite two years old, with my mom. Back when you could actually walk on the Parthenon!)
Mostly Greek 