Red Onion-Petimezi Tart Tatin with Mastiha Whipped Feta
This wonderful Greek recipe inspired by the traditional French Tarte Tatin, is sweetened with petimezi, grape molasses, and seasoned with Mastiha powder and Greek wild herbs.
Greek Figs in a Blanket
Who needs pigs in a blanket when you can have figs in a blanket!? Here’s a great holiday or festive dish, perfect to serve when company arrives. Try it with the delicious succulent dried figs from northern Evia, available here.
Warm Spanakopita Dip
The basic filling for spanakopita has so many different variations and uses, it’s really one of the most timeless and versatile Greek preparations. This dip is just the tip of the iceberg!
Melomakarona – Olive Oil – Walnut – Honey Cookies
Olive oil, honey and nuts make these classic melomakarona Greek Christmas cookies one of the healthiest sweets you can enjoy. You can find great Greek honey and olive oil on my online store here.
Button Mushrooms in Red Wine with a Touch of Cayenne
Mushrooms are always an elegant addition to the table, no matter the occasion. This makes a great side dish to festive and everyday main courses. You could even serve them over Greek fava, for something extra special.
Instant Baklava Puff Pastry Rolls
Everyone loves baklava but it’s not something a lot of people may want to attempt at home for fear of working with phyllo. In this version, the nut filling is the same, there’s no syrup, and the puff pastry roll up is very easy. I’ve take a few liberties by adding chocolate and heat!
Drunken Chestnuts
Drunken chestnuts have long been a specialty around Christmas time in Italy, mainly Tuscany. In Greece, blessed with thousands of chestnut trees, this dessert is definitely borrowed. Instead of red wine, I use raki or ouzo. The anise flavor of the beverage pairs beautifully with the chestnuts’ earthy sweetness.
Xinomavro Duck with Cornmeal Cream
Duck, papia in Greek, is a special treat usually reserved for holidays or hunters. This simple Xinomavro Duck recipe marries one of the world’s richest meats with a tannic Greek red wine, Xinomavro, typically from Naoussa and other areas in Northern Greece. The wine is a beautiful counterbalance to the richness of the duck. I’d […]
Grilled Mushrooms with Oregano and Garlic
Unless you really aren’t a mushroom fan (and I don’t know too many such folks), grilled mushrooms are a classic, easy recipe fit for the holidays and every day. The tang of garlic, Greek olive oil and oregano make these grilled mushrooms even better. You can serve them right out of the oven, or at […]
Ikaria Lemony Pork with Collards or Bok Choy
Lemony pork stewed with collards (lahanides in Greek) is probably the most popular winter recipe on Ikaria, a Sunday and holiday treat that calls for strong wine and company. There are at least three versions of this dish. The first is with fresh pork, preferably bone-in (for more flavor). But the more traditional versions, if […]
Quince Paste & Kasseri Meze
Most people think of quince paste as a Spanish specialty, but in Greece quince in all its manifestation is very popular, especially when in season in the winter. This dish is as simple and elegant a meze or starter as you can get. To find some of the artisinal Greek products you’ll need to make […]
Kourambiedes, Greek Christmas Cookies: My family recipe
This Greek recipe for the classic Christmas cookies, kourabiedes, is my sister Koko's, passed down to her by her mother-in-law Yiorgia Touris, who was an amazing cook and baker. It's gone through several transformations and, truth be told, requires a little experience to perfect. My sister measures out her flour in cereal bowls, for example, […]