Greek Yogurt, Smoked Salmon Canapés

Salmon isn’t exactly a fish that swims anywhere near the Mediterranean or Aegean, but it’s a fish that Greeks have embraced, both fresh and smoked. It pairs beautifully with the thick Greek yogurt that has conquered the world. In this recipe, I mix in a little katiki, a grainy, sour, yogurt-like cheese from mainland Greece […]
Greek Yogurt, Feta and Blue Cheese Spread

The first time I ever tasted the combination of feta, yogurt and blue cheese was many moons ago, at the first conference of the Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust, which was held in Porto Carras, in northern Greece. I am not exactly reinventing the wheel here, just providing an easy, savory dip that you can […]
Naoussa Style Braised Christmas Pork and Leeks
This is a pan-northern-Greek dish, one of the all time classics and favorites on the Sunday and festive table. In Naoussa, the addition of tomatoes to the dish distinguishes it from other versions around the region. Locals say the best cut for this is pork collar. For 4-6 servings ½ cup olive oil 1 ½ […]
Nut-Stuffed Shredded Wheat Rolls, Ioannina Style / Kataifi Yanniotiko

Most people who are familiar with kataifi, the thin-strand pastry, think it is actually shredded wheat or shredded phyllo. In fact, it’s made with a batter that is poured through a tiny-holed spout onto a large, hot, circle griddle that spins slowly, thus creating the vermicell-like effect. From what I know, a few places still […]
Olive Oil Nut-and-Spice Cookies / Melomakarona me Elaiolado
These cookies are a Greek Christmas specialty, but they are great with your morning coffee every day of the year, too. These cookies are a Greek Christmas specialty, but they are great with your morning coffee every day of the year, too.
Shrimp Saganaki with Ouzo and Feta

I can honestly say I’ve nevermet a soul who didn’t love this Greek taverna classic. It’s super easy to make at home, too. Look for the olive oil, tomatoes and herbs used to make it on my online store here.
Octopus Baked in Paper / Htapodi Yioulbasi

I first encountered this delicious, succulent octopus recipe inland in the Peloponnese, near Mantineia, one of the great wine-producing regions of Greece. Baking octopus in paper helps retain all its juices and also makes for a dramatic presentation. Try it with an aromatic Moschofilero wine from the same region.
Lentil-Chard Soup / Faki me Seskoula y Spanaki

Although greens and lentils both play a major role in the Greek vegetarian diet, the combination of the two is unusual in Greece. This is a thick and hearty soup, perfect for a cold winter’s day. Try stirring a little Kalamata olive paste or Greek balsamic into the soup to add depth of flavor. You […]