This recipe for pumpkin bread is unlike one you may have tried before. Most pumpkin breads are more like sweet cake than bread. This recipe makes a traditional loaf of bread that’s slightly sweet and absolutely wonderful toasted and served with jam or preserves. You will need a cup of pumpkin puree to make the […]

Traditionally, one is offered something sweet upon arrival in a Greek home. Greek hosts keep a supply of spoon sweets or preserves on hand that are made from almost any fruit or nut you can imagine. If there is an abundance of fruit on the trees, you can be sure that the bounty will be […]

In Greek: μπομπότα, pronounced bo-BOH-tah Depending on the region of Greece and local customs, the word bobota can mean anything from cornmeal to any bread or polenta-type dish made with cornmeal. Cornmeal recipes were very popular during times of hardship, and bobota is considered by many to be a “peasant” dish. This basic recipe has a little sugar, but […]

A rich and moist chocolate cake recipe that tastes indulgent but still complies with the dietary restrictions of the Lenten season. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Yield: Approximately 24 pieces Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda 6 tbsp. cocoa powder 1 tsp. salt 2 cups granulated sugar 3 tbsp. white vinegar 2 […]

This recipe for Lentil and Rice Pilaf features the versatile brown lentil and pairs it with savory herbs, spices, and densely nutritious Kale. If Kale is unavailable, you can substitute another leafy green such as Swiss Chard. This recipe also meets the strictest fasting restrictions because it does not contain any oil, meat, or dairy. […]

This is a fun party recipe that I’ve adapted from food writer Mark Bittman. If you were expecting scary orange cheese slathered over lackluster tortilla chips, then I’m sorry but you’ll be disappointed. Perfect for the casual get together or even as a light meal, these “nachos” are sure to be a favorite. Prep Time: 30 minutes […]

A twist on the traditional favorite, this recipe takes the delicious nut filling of Baklava and combines it with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and hazelnut in a delicious pastry tart. Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Yield: One 9-inch tart Ingredients: For the tart crust: 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/3-cup sugar 1/4 tsp. salt […]

Halva is a semolina pudding that is sweetened with syrup and studded with nuts and raisins. It is a dessert that has Arabic origins but has been adopted into the Greek culture and is widely served during fasting periods because there are no eggs or dairy in the recipe. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes […]

In Greek: τάρτα μαραθόριζα, say: TAR-tah mah-rah-THOH-ree-zah Fennel root, often sold as “anise” is a fabulous winter vegetable with a light licorice taste and smell. Often used in salads, and as a complementary taste with fish, it has been well known and loved in Greek cooking since ancient times, where both the root and leaves […]

In Greek: μουσακάς πατάτες, say: moo-sah-KAS pah-TAH-tes Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 5-6 pounds of potatoes, peeled, cut in 1/2 inch slices 2 tablespoons of olive oil 4 medium onions, chopped 2 1/2 pounds of ground beef (or lamb) 3 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes with juice (or canned tomatoes) 1 cup […]