St. Helen, Sweet Basil, and the Holy Cross
September 14th marks yet another important Feast Day in the Greek Orthodox Church. It’s the day a woman born in obscurity would find something highly regarded by much of today’s world.
African Blue Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’)
I have a lot of plants in my garden that are “bee magnets”, but few will be carpeted in the buzzy little critters like my African Blue Basil. And then there’s pesto!
Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum var.)
Purple pesto, anyone? Deep purple color, sprays of pink flowers, amazing basil taste. It’s kind of nice when nature wraps up all the best features into a single plant. This basil makes a stunning addition to any salad and turned my basil jelly a lovely garnet hue.
Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’)
As the name implies, Cinnamon Basil has a slight cinnamon-y taste to it. I wouldn’t start making cinnamon rolls with it, but there are certain savory dishes that it is a perfect compliment to. Many Greek and Middle Eastern meat-based recipes actually use cinnamon for flavor, and so Cinnamon Basil would also be an excellent addition. … Continue reading Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’)
Fried Calamari Steaks with Chunky Marinara and Kalamata Olive Sauce
I owe you all an apology. I’ve been sitting on this amazing recipe for quite some time without sharing it with you and that’s just rude. I’ll try not to let it happen again!
Manestra (Greek Pasta in Tomato Sauce)
This may not be one of the most well known (if at all) Greek dishes to those who are not Greek, but ask any kid who grew up with traditional Greek food and this will likely be one of their favorites.
Fresh Spinach & Tomato Pasta Sauce
A while ago, I had purchased a rather large quantity of spinach. Even though I often grow my own, spinach is pretty picky about not liking my hot summer temperatures and I don’t always get around to growing it when it will thrive. Thank goodness for grocery stores!
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Salvias (sages) are a wide-ranging group of plants native to a variety of habitats around the world. What they seem to have in common are brightly colored, tubular shaped flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies just love. This particular Sage is no exception, and has the added bonus of sweet smelling leaves that give off a pineapple … Continue reading Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Seasonal Vegetables
Greeks eat a diet that is centered around what is growing at the moment. Farmers come into town with their small trucks loaded with the day’s harvest, calling out their offerings on loudspeakers as they drive slowly down the streets.
Mostly Greek 