Kourabiethes me Amygthala & Kanela In Greek: κουραμπιέδες με αμύγδαλα και κανέλα, say: koo-rahb-YEH-thes meh ah-MEEGH-thah-lah keh kah-NEH-lah Kourabiethes are celebration cookies: they are prepared at Christmas, baptisms, and weddings. This recipe for these shortbread-type cookies is packed with toasted almonds, includes the taste of cinnamon, and calls for the traditional coating of lots of confectioner’s […]

Frozen squid is a great choice even when fresh is available. Freezing and thawing helps break down some of the tough muscle fibers and the squid may be more tender. Frozen squid is sold as tubes (cleaned bodies) and tentacles, or already cut into rings for frying or other recipes calling for rings. Follow these […]

It may sound like a no-brainer but boiling water to make various dishes isn’t always as simple as it may seem. Here are tips to make sure that boiling water is perfect for that Greek recipe you’re planning to cook. The two basic “boils” Although water boils at 212°F and only then is it a […]

Feta cheese can range from soft to hard, and trying to crumble it for salads and toppings can result in mashing it instead. Here’s the easiest way to crumble it. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: none Here’s How: If you have a block of feta, cut a slice in the amount you want to crumble. Otherwise, just start […]

Question: What Did the Ancient Greeks Eat? Answer:The foods of ancient Greece were similar to foods we eat today, but did not include many that have become important parts of modern Greek cooking. For example, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and bananas didn’t arrive in Greece until after the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century, because […]

Like other ancient civilizations, the basic ancient Greek foods were cereals, legumes, oil, and wine. Many ancient Greeks lived in Magna Graecia (Megale Hellas), so the food of the Romans overlaps that of the Greeks. There were, of course, other influences on ancient Greek foods, especially from Asia. We know the Greeks had a wide variety of […]

There are many versions of these little pumpkin filled pastries. In Cyprus, they are called kolokotes (koh-loh-koh-TES). Other parts of Greece call thembourekia (boo-REH-kyah). The traditional dough for this recipe is made with olive oil and would be appropriate to eat during fasting periods. I have adapted the recipe and use a sweeter dough that includes butter and […]

Stuffed vegetables are a staple of the summer season and this version of Kolokithia Yemista (koh-loh-KEETH-yah yeh-mee-STAH) or Stuffed Zucchini is a great way to enjoy the bounty. The zucchini are hollowed and stuffed with a savory meat filling and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce that bakes up to a nice golden crust. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook […]

Tsoureki (tsoo-REH-kee)is the traditional bread of Greek Easter. Tsoureki is a rich yeast bread flavored with orange and a delightful spice called Mahlab (also called Mahlepi) that is ground from the pits of wild cherries. You can find Mahlab online or at ethnic grocery stores specializing in Greek or Middle Eastern products. Every family has their own […]

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 […]