The first day of Lent in Greece is a bit of an oddity. For many, a strict Lenten fast will be observed in reverence to the solemnity of the time leading up to Pascha (Easter), while also frolicking and picnicking, and generally having a jolly good time!
Continue reading Greek Lagana Bread Recipe & the Tradition of “Clean Monday”
You know the old saying that good things come to those that wait? This is a really good thing worth waiting for! (It may not be that long of a wait, either!)
Continue reading Greek Kumquat Liqueur (with a Bonus Treat!)
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.
Continue reading Manestra (Greek Pasta in Tomato Sauce)
You know those cartoons that show a person debating what to do with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other giving conflicting advice? This cake is like the two of them got together and struck a deal.
Continue reading Chocolate Angel Food Cake
Think of them as little triangles of pure heaven. Crispy phyllo, tangy feta cheese, and a generous slathering of butter… yes, pure heaven.
Continue reading Tiropitakia (Greek Feta Cheese Pastry)
There are few ingredients more traumatizing to use than the paper-thin sheets of phyllo dough. I’ve been yelled at by more than one older Greek woman to “cover your dough! You’re letting it get dry!!”
Continue reading Using Phyllo Dough (Without Frustration)
Several days ago I gave the Old Man and the Medium Boy the task of putting in a new pond liner for our back yard. It’s hard work. I fed them these empanadas as payment.
Continue reading Ham & Cheese Empanadas
Having a go-to pastry recipe is kind of like having that one pair of shoes that can work for multiple occasions: everybody needs one.
Continue reading Chilean Style Empanada Dough
No, I don’t live on some isolated homestead. Yes, I could easily go to the store and buy some lard. No, I don’t want to because making your own is easy enough to do, and why not save money and reduce waste in the process?
Continue reading Rendered Fat (Tallow, Lard, and Schmaltz)
I live in California’s raisin country. If one drives out of town during the hot, dry days at the end of summer, row after row of grapes drying on mats can be seen in between the long stretches of grape vines. I guess you could say I know where my food comes from!
Continue reading Sourdough Cinnamon-Raisin Rolls
Mostly Greek 