There is a point each year where my garden looks a little like Monet’s famous garden, and I am clearly quite okay with that! Each spring I am graced with a spectacular and long lasting display of some of the most beautiful and diverse blooms I have. Continue reading Bearded Iris (Iris x germanica)
Greek Lagana Bread Recipe & the Tradition of “Clean Monday”
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”
Share this:
Greek Kumquat Liqueur (with a Bonus Treat!)
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!)
Share this:
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.
Continue reading Manestra (Greek Pasta in Tomato Sauce)
Share this:
Over the River-bed and through the Avocado Orchards to Grandfather’s House We Go…
I guess this is the California version of the winter sleigh song, though if you go high up enough in the Sierra-Nevada mountains you will find snow. It’s just not where we were.
Continue reading Over the River-bed and through the Avocado Orchards to Grandfather’s House We Go…
Share this:
Chocolate Angel Food Cake
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
Share this:
Tiropitakia (Greek Feta Cheese Pastry)
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)
Share this:
Using Phyllo Dough (Without Frustration)
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)
Share this:
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linnaeus)
You cannot have a true Greek village salad without cucumber, nor can you have true Greek tzatziki (cucumber and yogurt sauce). So can you be a true Greek gardener and not grow cucumber? I think not.
Continue reading Cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linnaeus)
Share this:
Ham & Cheese Empanadas
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
Mostly Greek 