How to make Natural Pectin

This Easy Tyropita with Shredded Phyllo is a traditional Greek way of using up those phyllo odds and ends, and the result is both practical and delicious.

This juicy marinated pork tenderloin, is pan-fried in a creamy sauce. It is served with mashed potatoes and roasted sweet potatoes and carrots.

Celebrate Greek Orthodox tradition with this delicious Lazarakia recipe—sweet buns made for the Saturday of Lazarus, filled with halvas, walnuts, and tahini. A unique twist on a beloved custom.

Souvla is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes of Cypriot cuisine, especially during holidays like Easter, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (15th August) but also at any family gatherings and celebrations.

The pound cake is a rich, buttery cake with a dense yet tender crumb. Traditionally, it is made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

Butternut Squash Quiche with Four Cheeses brings together the richness of butter, the sweetness of butternut squash, and the creaminess of four different cheeses to create a truly indulgent experience.

Makaronopita is a lesser-known but delicious Greek pie, blending pasta with a creamy, savoury filling wrapped in crispy phyllo dough.

Alfajores are traditional Argentinian sandwich cookies made with soft, crumbly cornstarch biscuits, filled with dulce de leche, and often rolled in shredded coconut or coated in chocolate.

The Classic Carrot cake holds a special place in the world of baking, bridging the gap between rustic comfort and decadent indulgence.

Sykotakia Ladolemono (pr. see-koh-TAH-khia Lah-dho-LEH-moh-noh) are braised chicken livers with ladolemono, which is a dressing or in this case, a sauce made with olive oil, lemon and oregano.  When it comes to creating a dish that is both hearty and nutritious, chicken livers and hearts with vegetables is a fantastic choice. Packed with protein, vitamins, …

Crostata is an Italian dessert, which kind of resembles like Greek Pasta Flora or Frolla but there is a difference between the two of them, which will be explained in this post.

Kydonopasto is a Greek traditional, aromatic dessert made by slowly simmering fresh quince fruit with sugar, water, and a touch of lemon juice.

This Greek-inspired chicken and veggie stir-fry features tender chicken strips and a medley of fresh vegetables, all cooked in a flavourful sauce.

A moist and tender, Greek Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cake, which will delight both young and old apple pie lovers!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made crumble. The combination of a crispy, buttery crust and a juicy, sweet filling can transport you to a state of pure culinary bliss.

These Brandy-Infused Macerated Strawberries are the most simple Greek Dessert, made in 15 minutes with three simple ingredients: strawberries, sugar and brandy!

Elevate the timeless Caesar Salad to a hearty and fulfilling meal by introducing succulent grilled chicken.

This hearty and flavourful vegan mushroom soup with a blend of vegetables and herbs, perfect for a comforting and delicious meal!

These Christmas Cookies, which are sugar-free and gluten free are a delectable blend of wholesome ingredients crafted to delight toddlers, without compromising on their health.

This Easy Chocolate Banana Biscuit Dessert is a celebration of simplicity and decadence. Each layer tells a story of velvety chocolate, creamy buttercream, and the satisfying crunch of biscuits.

This Greek Apple Cake (Milopita) with Almonds and Greek Yoghurt is a dessert that brings the taste of the Greece to your table.

Bouyourdi is a traditional Greek dish that typically features a combination of Red Peppers (Piperies Florinis), feta cheese, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables.

Shrimp Noodles Is a delightful sweet and sour dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Pumpkin pie is the quintessential fall dessert, a comforting slice of nostalgia that conjures up images of crisp autumn days and family gatherings.

Pumpkin pie spice is used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, particularly during the fall and holiday season.

Enjoy your Apple Tart with a Mixed Nut Crumble, a delectable dessert that beautifully blends the sweetness of apples with the richness of a nutty crumble, all encased in a buttery crust.

These Mini mozzarella and Basil Caprese Appetizers are inspired by the classic Italian insalata Caprese which are served on skewers.

Discover a quick and flavorful delight with our Air Fryer Marinated Pork Tenderloin recipe. Marinate, air fry, and savor juicy pork tenderloin paired with a mouthwatering sauce. Perfect for any occasion!

This Penne Au Gratin with Smoked Turkey and bacon is a delectable and comforting dish that combines al dente penne pasta, smoky turkey, bacon and a creamy cheese sauce.

This Fridge Dessert with Cream and Jelly is a delightful dessert that offers a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and fruity flavours. The layers of smooth pastry cream, soaked biscuits, and vibrant jelly create a visually appealing and indulgent treat.

Sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor, our homemade Apricot Compote is a taste of summer in every spoonful.

This Greek rose petal sweet preserve, made with the aromatic petals of Centifolia Roses or Damask roses, is a true delicacy that delights the senses.

This Greek Pasta Salad with Tuna and Bell Peppers is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any meal, whether it’s lunch or dinner.

This Strawberry Jelly with Greek Yoghurt is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and fruity flavours of strawberry jelly with the creamy tanginess of Greek yogurt.

This Marinated pork tenderloin is a delightful dish that combines simplicity, bold flavors, and tender texture.

In just a few simple steps, you can turn leftover tsoureki bread into Ekmek, a delicious and decadent dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family.

This delicious Greek stuffed Goat or Lamb with lemony baked potatoes, is a traditional roast, filled with liver and rice, served during Easter or Christmas.

Minced chicken sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. I used this recipe to make two dishes, adapted for gallbladder diet: 1 serving of Spaghetti with chicken meat sauce and 2 servings of Cottage pie.

These airfryer meatballs have been adjusted for those on a gallbladder diet. I have used ground veal but you can add ground chicken or turkey, if you prefer.

This sugar free toddler cake is naturally sweetened by the ripe banana, pumpkin, carrot and apples, and it contains whole grains from the rolled oats.

Avocado spread is a popular condiment made from mashed or pureed avocados. It is used as a spread for sandwiches, toast, crackers, or used as a dip for vegetables or chips.

This Greek-style Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is easy to make and a delicious change to the classic one. My Chicken parmesan is prepared the same way as the classic one but I used Greek ingredients and cooked it in the air fryer.

Delicious Chocolate Marshmallows as an activity for children, which are dipped in melted chocolate and decorated in various ways.

This Greek Velouté Fish Soup is mouth-watering and very tasty. Made with red fish, vegetables and Cypriot trachanas is a soup you should definitely try.

These Smashed potatoes are very easy and versatile to make. Serve them as a side dish to many dishes, such as pork tenderloin, chicken, etc.

This galette des Rois (French Kings’ Cake), is made with store bought puff pastry and filled with almond paste and marzipan. However, you can use homemade puff pastry and any other filling you like.

Make the most out of your leftover roast turkey with this creamy turkey fricassee. It’s delicious served with rice, mashed potatoes or pasta.

Kourou phyllo dough is a flaky dough which is used to make sweet or savoury Greek pies or tarts. You can make big pies or individual pastries with your favourite pie filling.

These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are so easy to make and they are delicious because they are full of dried fruit and almonds, which everyone will love.

Serinakaker are easy to make Norwegian Christmas butter cookies decorated with either pearl sugar or slivered almonds on top.

This Easy Feta Pie also called Alevropita, can’t get any easier to make. It is made with a batter in which feta is crumbled inside and on top and it is ready in ten minutes.

Simple and rustic Greek Upside down Apple Olive Oil Cake with chunks of apple and the perfect combination of spices. The kind of no-fuss olive oil cake you’ll love.

This Stracciatella, Mocha, Cream Cheese and Mars Cake is made with chocolate sponge cake, wet with caramel espresso coffee, filled with a whipped cream and cream cheese filling and topped with a Mars Chocolate ganache.

This Greek Sausage Lasagna is made with Greek leek sausages, with feta and goat cheese, topped with a Greek Bechamel sauce

This No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Biscuit Fridge Cake is easy to make and delicious. It is made using three layers of Petit Beurre biscuits, dark chocolate pastry cream, chocolate ganache and hazelnuts.

A vegan Greek aromatic herbed spinach risotto based on the Greek spanakoryzo recipe but made with the method of making risotti.

These kid friendly Greek Fried Rice patties with vegetables is a great way to use vegetables which kids usually don’t like to eat.

Politiko Thessalonikis is a popular dessert in Northern Greece. It combines a syrupy semolina base, topped with pastry cream and cinnamon.

Walnut Jam is a very unique and unusual jam as is made with fresh green walnuts, while they are still unripe and tender. After removing the bitterness of the walnuts, they are boiled with sugar and spices.

A good Homemade Greek Tomato Sauce can be used in many ways. Make a big batch of this delicious tomato sauce and have it on hand whenever you need it.

These Baked Chicken Breasts are so simple to make and so delicious! The Chicken breasts are marinated and then baked in the oven, until they are tender and juicy!

Peinirli, pronounced Paey-Neer-LEE (peynir, Turkish for cheese) is a kind of an open faced pita (or you can even describe it as a pizza shaped gondola) with kasseri cheese, often topped with other ingredients as well. 

Chestnut preserve called Glyko Kastano in Greek is a wonderful winter treat and a perfect gift during Christmas.

Chestnuts, although typically they are usually categorized as nuts, but in fact they are fruit, which are produced by the chestnut tree, (castanea) (called kastana – κάστανα pr. KAH-stah-nah in Greek) , which are native to temperate climates.

Protein is essential for humans. They are a key component of muscle tissue (20-25% of total weight) while performing infinite functions in the body

This Baked or grilled Greek Lemony Calf Liver, is a super easy to make, healthy and delicious. Marinating the organ reduces its intense flavour and makes it very tender.

Spatula Kalambakas is a sponge cake with nuts, which is then moistened with a light syrup and topped with pastry cream, walnuts and cinnamon.

Tsai tou vounou is a Greek aromatic herbal tea whose medicinal properties have been known since antiquity. It can be served hot or cold.

This Banana Cake is very easy to make and the only excuse you need when you want to bake something sweet is “why waste these overripe bananas?”

Karydaki Liqueur is a homemade Greek alcoholic drink made with tender green walnuts which are steeped in alcohol for a certain period of time.

Tiramisu cake is based on the classic Italian dessert. Instead of using lady fingers it is made with a sponge cake, cut into slices and layered with the traditional tiramisu cream cheese filling.

Octopus Risotto is a delicious and healthy dish, which is perfect not only for those fasting during Orthodox Lent but for our everyday meal.

Ferrero Rocher is a cake made with chocolate sponge, filled with a cream cheese chocolate ferrero rocher filling and topped with chocolate ganache.

Arniopita is a Greek Lamb Pie I made with yeasted dough, filled with leftover roasted lamb with potatoes, corn and thickened with a bechamel sauce.

These mini olive breads are made with Greek yoghurt in the dough and green olives, with lots of herbs in the dough, which makes them delicious, healthy and very aromatic, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

An amazing recipe for tender and juicy pork rib chops. The marinade will make the  pork chops extra juicy as well as infuse them with great sweet and sour taste flavour and a touch of citrus.

Kotopoulo Kokkinisto is a Greek stewed chicken dish which is cooked in a delicious tomato sauce with all the Greek flavours.

Tyropitari pronounced Tee-rho-pee-TAH-ree, is a homemade Greek pastry filled with feta cheese and deep fried, which is served as an appetizer.

This vegan chocolate cake uses avocado and extra virgin olive oil instead of any other fat, it is loaded with chocolate flavor and and many other healthy ingredients.

Homemade Tortellini is not only fun and easy to make in your own kitchen, but nothing compares to the taste and texture of fresh homemade pasta.

Milopita Bougatsa is a Greek Apple Pie, made with cooked apples and spices, which are then thickened with a semolina pudding and enclosed in phyllo.

Braised Pork Stew is a favorite Greek Fall dish, combining various root vegetables, such as celeriac root, carrots, potatoes, and onions.

Traditional Greek Baklavas (pronounced Mpah-klah-VHASS), is a delicious traditional dessert made of layers of crispy golden brown phyllo, filled with chopped nuts and bathed into scented honey syrup!

Vanillekipferl (vanille means vanilla and kipferl, from Hungarian kifli, means crescent), are Austrian / German crescent-shaped cookies, coated with vanilla sugar.  They originated in Austria, symbolizing the celebration of the victory of the Hungarian army over the Turkish in one of the many wars between the nations.   You can also find them in many other countries such as Germany, …

Káposztás Tészta is a simple Hungarian dish with two main ingredients: cabbage and pasta.

Sockerkaka is a delicious sponge cake from Sweden, which is very easy to make.

Caramelized Peach Custard Tarte Tatin is a combination of sticky caramel, sweet peaches, delicious pastry cream topped on a crisp buttery pastry base, combine to make a twist to this heavenly French dessert.

Pomegranate liqueur like all other liqueurs is easy to make but you have to be patient and wait for the fruit to macerate in the alcohol for about a month, then prepare a simple sugar syrup and combine them.  After that, you can drink it right away but as it matures it gets even better.

Quiche, pronounced keesh, is a French, savoury open tart consisting of pastry crust, filled with eggs, milk or cream, and cheese, meat, seafood or vegetables.  Discover a new twist I made to this French favourite with Greek cheeses.

This Christmas Chocolate Carob Yule Log is made with sponge cake, filled with chocolate mousse and covered with a chocolate carob flavoured buttercream.

Greek “Spanakopita” (spinach pie), pronounced (spa-nah- KOH -pee-taa), is possibly the most popular Greek pie, made with spinach, aromatic herbs and feta cheese. 

Vlita pr. VLEE-ta (in Greek βλίτα or βλήτα) is one of the varieties of “horta” or greens, which both leaves and tender shoots, are boiled and served as a salad, well known in Greek cuisine for its high nutritional value.

Lamb Fricassee is a Greek dish with white sauce made with eggs and lemon juice, called Avgolemono.  It can be made with either lamb or goat and the addition of various vegetables varies, depending on the season.

Caramel is when sugar is heated and becomes a liquid. As it continues to cook it becomes golden brown and has an intense, deep flavour from the caramelization of the sugar.

Choux pastry, or pâte à choux, is a French light pastry dough used to make profiteroles, éclairs, gougères, croquembouches, etc.

An easy recipe for a variety of delicious Almond and Cinnamon Thumbprint Cookies with a video tutorial to help you make these cookies.

This Upside Down Pear and Almond Honey Cake is unique as it’s made with Greek Ewe’s and Goat Milk Butter which adds an amazing taste to the cake. The honey added on top of the pears caramelizes and infuses its taste in the pears, making them heavenly.

Baked Melitzanes Saganaki is an easy appetizer made with fried eggplants, tomato sauce and two Greek cheeses: feta and kasseri and then baked in the oven.

Peach compote is a simple and delicious dessert, made of whole or pieces of fruit cooked in sugar syrup.

Galatopita, (pr. Gha-lah-TOH-pee-tah) is a simple and easy Greek dessert, made with milk,eggs, semolina, butter and vanilla, which is baked in the oven.  

Pasta Frolla is an Italian shortbread pastry tart, similar to the one we call Pasta Flora, in Greece made with Pâte brisée and topped with Jam. The word “pasta” means dough and “frolla”, as explained to me by my friend Simona, means tender in Italian, as it is a very flaky dough.

Orzo salad is a type of pasta salad made with orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta. It is often mixed with ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, cheese, charcuterie, etc., and a vinaigrette dressing.

These stuffed Melomakarona are Greek spiced honey cookies, which are filled with white chocolate, walnuts and raspberry jam.

This Greek Stewed Chickpea Soup, also known as Revithosoupa, is a traditional Greek soup made with chickpeas, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and various aromatic herbs and spices.

Grilled Halloumi with Fresh figs, honey and mint is an amazing appetizer and the combination of sweet with salty will mesmerize you.

These ice pops are refreshing, delicious, healthy, with no preservatives or additives, without any artificial colour or aroma and only 61 calories each!

An amazing marshmallows cake flavoured with bergamot and decorated with marshmallows. No one can resist the aroma of bergamot and the fluffy marshmallows!

Try new ways of cooking pork chops by marinating them. You will see how tender and delicious they will become.

These Coconut and Olive Oil Bergamot Revani cakes are moist, light as sponge, fluffy and the bergamot adds such an amazing aroma!

Whether you have leftovers from your Thanksgiving or Christmas roasted turkey, this delicious turkey carbonara and pasta pie is a lovely way to use your leftovers without having to eat the same food for three days.

Sugar Paste or Rolled Fondant is an icing used to cover cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cake pops and other sweet treats.

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and indulgent, then this Dulce de Leche Cheesecake with Milk Almond Chocolates is the answer to your cravings.

This Chocolate Tart with a quince jam filling is such a delicious and decadent dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers.

These veggie burgers can be made with practically any vegetables. You can serve them as an appetizer, a side dish or a main dish with Greek Salad and a dip.

Elevate your dinner game with this delectable gourmet Spaghetti with Sausages, Red Pepper Sauce, and Buffalo Cheese recipe.

Psaropita, from the Greek words “psari” (fish) and “pita” (pie),(pronounced psah-RHO-pee-tah), is a traditional Greek fish pie.

Mandarin Melomakarona are Greek honey cookies, made with olive oil, flavoured with mandarin and drenched in a honey syrup, with lots of walnuts on top.

My best Apple crumble is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe apples with the crunchiness of the crumbly topping.

I have made various lasagna recipes in the past which I have kept in my files to post for years. Here, I am posting a lot of lasagna recipes you’ll want to make for big family dinners and special occasions.

Fig and Peach Anthotyro Cheese Tart is a beautiful and delicious dessert to finish a meal with family.  I made the tart shell from scratch and used anthotyros, yoghurt and eggs for the filing. 

Moussakas is the most known Greek dish.  Sometimes we want to go meatless, so if you also want to avoid eating meat you should try this amazing recipe, with Greek feta and Italian mozarella, adding lots of onions,  feta and a marinara sauce and topped with a bechamel sauce with feta in it.  

Here are some of my Easter Recipes and a few ideas of what to do with your leftovers. I have also included some cakes for those celebrating.

Lahanodolmades me avgolemono is a rustic Fall / Winter Greek dish with cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice in an egg-lemon sauce.

Kritharotto takes its name from the Greek word “kritharaki” which means orzo. So, instead of making risotto using arborio rice (or Carolina rice which we use in Greece), I used kritharaki (orzo) which is a tiny pasta, which looks like rice.

Pumpkin mash with potato is a side dish that combines cooked pumpkin and potatoes, which are mashed together to create a smooth and creamy mixture.

Pollo alla cacciatora is a classic Italian dish made with chicken braised in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and various herbs, such as basil and oregano.

This delicious chicken risotto with tarragon, combines creamy risotto with flavourful chicken with a Greek twist, for a satisfying meal.

This Lemon and Ginger Apricot Jam is a great breakfast jam, especially when using perfectly ripe apricots which have a beautiful aroma and taste. 

Traditional Lambriatika Koulourakia (also called Paschalina Koulourakia), are Greek Easter butter cookies, which are traditionally made only during Easter and have a distinct flavour as baking ammonia is used as the leavening agent.

Ιif you have gallbladder disease and/or gallstones, following a healthy gallbladder diet can have a large impact on your health. A gallbladder diet is similar to a “regular” healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, minimal animal fats such as dairy, butter, fatty meat, and eggs, no fried foods and “white” and processed foods should be avoided.

This Chicken Trahanas Soup is creamy and nutritious because apart from its own qualities, many vegetables are also added to it.

This Dakos Savoury Greek Cheesecake, is the perfect appetizer when you need to feed a crowd. A savoury cheesecake I made during Christmas, based on the Greek Cretan recipe for Dakos.

Mont Blanc is a French-Italian dessert, made with meringues, chestnut puree and whipped cream,

These easy Chocolate Truffles are made from Christmas Leftover desserts.  As much as we love all these desserts, no matter how many we eat, there are bound to be leftovers.  Each year I make something different with the leftovers.

This stuffed Greek Crispy Pork Roast is delicious as the crackling is golden brown and crunchy, while the meat remains juicy and tender.

Crusted Salmon is a dish that typically consists of a salmon fillet that is coated in a mixture of sesame seeds, almonds, and other seasonings, and then cooked.

This pumpkin cheesecake tart is a delicious dessert made with pumpkin puree cream cheese, Greek yoghurt and other ingredients.

Pickled vineyard shoots, also known as “ampelokorfades or ampelovlastara toursi” in Greek cuisine, are a traditional Mediterranean delicacy made from the young shoots or tendrils of grapevines.

Here are some of my delicious salads, for every season, time and occasion. Salads make eating colorful, fresh foods easy and delicious.

Revithosalates are Greek salads made with chickpeas.  Chickpeas are one of my favourite legumes and I always cook them from scratch.

This Coconut Red Lentil Soup – inspired by Heidi Swanson’s recipe from 101 Cookbooks – is truly magical as it is brimming with vibrant flavours and nourishing ingredients.

Veal or Beef Stroganoff or Beef Stroganov (Russian: бефстроганов befstróganov) is a Russian dish of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream). From its origins in mid-19th-century Russia, it has become popular around the world, with considerable variation from the original recipe. 

Ryzokeftedes pr. ree-zho-kef-TEH-dhes are a traditional Greek side dish that consist of small patties of rice that are coated in breadcrumbs and then pan fried.

Lagana flatbread is traditionally prepared and consumed in Greece, especially during a particular day of the year known as Clean Monday or “Kathara Deftera.”

Bœuf à la Bourguignonne, also called Beef Burgundy is perhaps one of the most famous dishes of Julia Child.  

Wild Boar, in Greek Agriogourouno (pr. ah-ghree-oh-GHOU-rhou-nho) is cooked in a “gastra” which is a Greek Dutch oven. The meat is marinated and then slowly cooked in the oven.

Quince Gingerbread Yoghurt Cheesecake is a delightful dessert crafted from leftover gingerbread cookies.

This Turkey Pie Roulade is made with homemade phyllo dough and stuffed with leftover turkey.   If you do not have leftover turkey meat from your roasted turkey, you can use minced turkey instead.

Waffles are a universally loved breakfast treat, but have you ever thought of infusing them with the vibrant, aromatic flavours of Greece?

Pomegranate syrup starts with juice and sugar and pomegranate molasses with same ingredients but reduced to the consistency of thick syrup.

Soutzoukakia Smyrneika, are spicy sausage-shaped meatballs, which are lightly fried and then cooked in a delicious tomato sauce and come from the once Greek part of Asia Minor, Smyrna.

Meringue is one of the most delicate yet versatile confections in the world of baking. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these airy, crisp clouds of sweetness have delighted pastry lovers for centuries.

Homemade paneer cheese, a staple in Indian cuisine, is a fresh and creamy cheese made by curdling milk and separating the curds from the whey.

This Peach and Nectarine Crumble is a delightful summer dessert that combines the sweet and juicy flavors of ripe peaches and nectarines with a buttery, crumbly topping.

If you’re craving a burger, make these juicy Greek flavoured turkey burgers. These burgers are bursting with flavor from garlic, oregano, thyme, tarragon, black pepper and carino seasoning. 

Indulge in the savoury goodness of baked tope steaks marinated in zesty lemon, mustard, and aromatic herbs. This easy recipe is a seafood lover’s delight!

Louvi, as we call it in Cyprus, are the black eyed beans. Although the word “louvi” is ancient Greek from lovion, plural lovia (λόβιον, πλ. λόβια), in Greece this word is not used any more. Instead, they are called fassolia mavrommatika, which means black-eyed peas.

A healthy Mediterranean Salad with Tuna and lots of vegetables which is Mayonnaise free made with an olive oil dressing, which is full of flavour.

This delicious mushroom pie is made with homemade kourou phyllo (shortcrust pastry), mushrooms, leeks milk, eggs and feta.

This Strawberry Jelly and Yoghurt Mousse Dessert is the perfect treat for any occasion. It’s easy to make, looks impressive and will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

This Caramel Cake was made with a Zebra sponge, cream cheese and white chocolate frosting and decorated with Candied Caramel and homemade white chocolates.

Gigantes plaki is a deliciously hearty vegan dish made with giant beans, cooked in a tomato sauce, served as a main dish or as part of a mezze platter.

This recipe for braised chicken breasts stuffed with spinach, graviera, and bacon is a perfect showstopper for family dinners or special gatherings.

Escalopes, from the French Escaloppes, (scallop) is a thin slice of boneless meat, from the leg of a veal, cut into thin slices and tenderized with a mallet.

My Christmas recipes for you to choose what to cook during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays!

Pastitsia, are the Cypriot Almond coookies, also called amygdalota. They are made with almonds and meringue, similar to macaron but they are crunchy outside, soft inside and chewy.

Trahanas (pronounced trah-hah-NAHS), is a traditional Greek and Cypriot product, made  from cracked wheat flour and a goat milk curd that is fermented.

This Christmas Chocolate Wafer Coconut Roulade is made with a biscuit base crust and is filled with pastry cream, topped with chocolate ganache.

A twist to the Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake made with red candied fruit such as strawberries, cherries, candied eggplant, dried cranberries and cherry jam.

This homemade marinara sauce recipe is easy tomake with just a few ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions.

This Ultimate Chocolate Cake is made with a chocolate sponge and a Baileys Chocolate mousse filling, topped with Chocolate ganache.

Braised Chicken Livers with Vegetables and grapes is an easy and nutritious Greek recipe that comes together quickly, packed with many nutrients, as it contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals.” 

This amazing Asian inspired Sweet and Sour Turkey, is cooked in a sauce with bell peppers, carrot and pineapple, which makes the sauce delicious.   

A zebra cake is a type of layered cake with a distinctive striped pattern, similar to the black-and-white stripes of a zebra.

Kokoras Bardouniotikos is a stewed rooster recipe from Lakonia. In the classic recipe there are no potatoes in it but is served with pasta, such as hilopites. The meat and onions are browned in olive oil before stewing and then it is simmered until cooked. In the end a lot of sphella cheese (a spicy, hard feta) and some kalamata olives are added and the combination of cloves and cinnamon is what gives this dish its unique Greek flavor.

This Twix Banoffee Cheesecake is made from fresh and caramelized bananas, cream and toffee (made from boiled condensed milk, or dulce de leche), combined on a buttery biscuit base and decorated with Twix Chocolates and dulce de leche sauce.

Tyropita me Maratho means cheese pie with wild fennel.  This is a traditional cheese pie, which my mother in law used to make with feta cheese and fennel.    

Millefeuille, also known as a Napoleon, is a classic French pastry that consists of multiple layers of thin, flaky puff pastry alternating with creamy fillings, usually pastry cream or whipped cream.

Shrimp Saganaki is an appetizer made with shrimps and tomato sauce. Saganaki takes its name from a frying pan with two handles called “sagani”.

Guacamole is a popular Mexican dip made from mashed avocado mixed with various ingredients such as onion, tomato, garlic, and lime juice. It is often enjoyed as a healthy and flavorful addition to many dishes.

Falafels are street food sold in Middle Eastern countries and are made with dried legumes like chickpeas, fava beans soaked in water for many hours and then they are combined with spices and are bound together with flour or bulgur wheat and then they are shaped into small balls or patties and fried.

This vegan moussakas (nistisimos) is as delicious as the real one. It is layered with eggplants, potatoes and zucchini, with a vegan vegetable filling and a delicious vegan faux bechamel sauce.

Tashi is a Cypriot vegan dip made with tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It goes well with almost any food and this appetizer is served in all Cypriot restaurants.

Pastitsio nistisimo (pr. Pah-STEE-tsio Knee-STEE-see-moh) is a vegan pasta casserole dish made with tubular pasta, vegetable filling and topped with a vegan faux béchamel sauce.  The same dish can be made vegetarian using the same filling but adding a real bechamel sauce on top.

Whether you are making Sweet or Savoury fillings for your vols au vent, these elegant vols au vent will surely impress your guests!

Quince (Kydoni in Greek), is known from ancient years and its cultivation is said to have preceded that of the apple culture.

This Sweet and Savoury Pork Tenderloin with Quince, Prunes and Chestnuts is a flavour-packed dish that combines succulent pork tenderloin with the rich, fruity sweetness of quinces and the earthy goodness of chestnuts.

Amygdalota, take their name from amygdala, which mean almonds in Greek and are no bake  Greek cookies from the Greek islands made with blanched almonds and sugar.  They are dipped in rose water and then coated with icing (confectioners’)  sugar.

Dulce de Leche (pronounced DUHL-sey duh LEY-chey) is a confection from Latin America that consists of heating sweetened milk until it caramelizes and becomes all rich and flavoursome! I have been seeing some recipes with Dulce de Leche but I didn’t know what it was until recently when one of you posted a detailed post …

These Chocolate brownies, are one of America’s favorite baked treats. These homemade brownies are easy to make, rich in chocolate flavour, they are crunchy on the outside and fudgy in the middle.

Tyrokafteri, pronounced  tee-rho-ka-fte-RHEE, from the Greek words “tyros” = cheese + “kaftero” = hot, in some places also called “ktypiti” or “kopanisti”, is a dip or a spread with cheese and red hot peppers.

This Pork tenderloin recipe is one of my favourites because it is filled with sauteed spinach, halloumi and bacon.

Lahanosalata, is a festive, creamy Coleslaw salad, made with cabbage, celery, onion, pomegranate, nuts and raisins and dressed with a delicious mayonnaise salad dressing.

Pilafi Pourgouri (bulgur wheat pilaf), like most Cypriot recipes, are considered to be a “poor man’s dish” as people were poor and made delicious dishes out of simple ingredients they had in their pantry. It is not only cheap and easy to make but it is also a healthy meal.

Pâte Brisée (pronounced paht bree-ZAY), is the French version of classic pie or tart pastry dough. You can see it mentioned as pie dough or savoury shortcrust dough. 

Homemade Marshmallows are so easy to make and they taste amazing. A crowd pleaser not only for children but for everyone!

Hortosoupa (pr. chor-TOH-sou-pah) or The Bing Bang Vegetable Veloute Soup, as I call it, is a Greek hearty velouté vegetable soup with star shaped pasta, which can be adapted with more vegetables.

Moustalevria, also known as “palouzes” is a traditional Greek dessert that has been enjoyed for many years. The main ingredient in moustalevria is “mousto,” which is grape must or freshly pressed grape juice that is boiled down to a thick, sweet syrup.

Victoria Sandwich cake is a classic British cake made of two layers of soft and buttery sponge cake, sandwiched together with a layer of jam and whipped cream.

Kotopoulo me hilopites is a Greek dish with baked chicken in tomato sauce and then hilopites, egg noodles, are cooked in the sauce.

Makaronia me Kima (pr. Mah-kha-RHO-niah MEH Kee-MAH), which literally means “Pasta with Ground Meat”, is a pasta dish with Spaghetti and Greek Meat Sauce, similar to Bolognese but with Greek flavours.

Pastitsio is a layered Greek pasta casserole dish, made with tubular pasta, meat sauce and topped with bechamel sauce.  

These Courgette (Zucchini) Fritters are crispy and packed with vitamins and protein as they are made with quinoa. A few days ago I wrote about the other parcel I received from sweet Nuria and as I promised I am writing about the parcel I received from Pixie before Easter. When Pixie asked me what I …

Everybody loves a good lamb pie wrapped in puff pastry and this one is made with leftover lamb on the spit, a few days after Easter with the addition of leeks, spring onions, dill and graviera cheese, which is just delicious!

Ovelias is a Greek Easter tradition where a whole lamb is roasted on the spit.  The word ovelias pronounced Oh-veh-LI-as comes from the ancient Greek word “ovelos” which used to be a wooden or steel rod, where pieces of meat were skewered on and slowly cooked.  Nowdays, the word “ovelias” means a whole lamb cooked for Easter on the spit.

Flaounes pr. flah-OU-ness (singular flaouna) is a traditional Cypriot Easter cheese bread made with an aromatic yeasted phyllo dough, filled with a special Cypriot cheese, called Pafitiko, made during the Easter period especially for flaounes,  flavoured with Masticha (mastic resin), mahlepi (mahleb) and mint.

Sheftali pl. Sheftalia are Cypriot oval shaped crépinettes, made with minced pork, herbs and spices which are then wrapped in caul fat and barbecued.

Koupepia Gialantzi are a traditional Cypriot dish, commonly known as stuffed vine leaves. They are similar to the Greek dish dolmades but are vegan with only rice and herbs.

Koulourakia Paschalina are Greek Easter Traditional Cookies, which are crispy outside and soft inside, full of orange flavour.

Magiritsa is a traditional Greek Easter offal soup which is the first thing served after the midnight mass on Saturday evening.

This is the easiest strawberry jam you can make and it tastes amazing! Strawberries have a short season, so preserve them while they are still in season.

Battered Bakaliaros (salted cod), in Greek “μπακαλιάρος”, is the traditional food we eat in Greece on the 25th of March.

This strawberry sauce is perfect over vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream but it’s also delicious over waffles, pancakes, and crepes.

Eliopita, Elioti or Eliopitakia are Cypriot olive pastries made either as a bread, as a roulade, as turnovers or a pie, to accompany a cup of coffee or tea.

Glyko Bergamonto or Bergamot fruit preserve is one of the most delicious and aromatic Greek fruit preserves (glyka tou koutaliou in Greek).

Kypriaki Tyropita is a delicious Cypriot savoury cake which is made with halloumi, oil, eggs, milk and lots of mint in it.

This Greek-style spinach salad is a beautiful harmony of textures and flavours, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Trouffes (pr. TRUE-fess) are Greek Truffles/ These bite-sized chocolate confections, usually made from chocolate and cream (ganache) usually formed in a spherical, conical, or curved shape.

Melitzanosalata is a traditional Greek vegan dip / appetizer made with eggplants which have been charred over charcoal or over an open flame, until the skin blisters, to get a smoky taste.   The skin is then removed, as well as the seeds, if any, and the eggplant is either finely chopped, mashed with a fork or pureed.

Koupes with Mushrooms is a snack we love eating in Cyprus, during the fasting period.  These are available in most bakeries but you can also buy them frozen in the supermarkets.

Briam is a Greek delicious and healthy roasted vegetables dish made with potatoes, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, onion, garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

Thyme Chicken Fricassee is a dish made with chicken breast cut into thin slices, stewed in chicken stock and served in a white sauce made with milk or cream.

This delightful cauliflower recipe transforms simple cauliflower into a crispy, cheesy sensation that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Dakos (pronounced NTAH – kos) is the name of a Cretan barley rusk. This salad is made using this rusk as its base and it is topped with cubed tomatoes, crumbled feta, myzithra (a whey cheese made in Crete) or anthotyros (similar to ricotta) and flavoured with oregano.

Koupes, is a street food we find in Cyprus, made of bulgur wheat and filled with ground meat, which is served as a snack or as part of a  mezes dish.    

Today I am posting another recipe, which is suitable for a festive occasion. Wild boar with sage and honey. Wild boar isn’t something we cannot get everyday in Greece. We can, however, get it during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, so I plan to make it during the holidays.

Afelia is a traditional Cypriot dish of small pieces of fried pork meat cooked in red dry wine and coriander. It is usually accompanied by bulgur pilaf or “patates antinachtes”.

This is the traditional English Christmas cake recipe the recipe of which was given to me by a friend of mine, who makes it every year.

Fricassee is a Greek recipe made with pork, lamb or chicken, with lots of lettuce, aromatic herbs and the traditional Greek avgolemono sauce.

Here are some instructions and tips on How to Roast Chestnuts in three different ways, by grilling, baking or boiling them.

Fassolada (or fassoulada, as the peasants call it), is  a hearty navy beans stew, or soup if you like  and is considered to be the national food of the Greeks.

Patates me avga is a very quick and easy dish with cubed potatoes and scrambled eggs.  Although it sounds like breakfast food, we eat it as a main dish with a salad.

Yiaourtoglyko is a very easy Greek dessert made with whipped cream, Greek yoghurt and fruit preserves or compote. Very refreshing for summer days!

Hoummous Soup is a unique twist on traditional hummus, transforming the beloved dip into a satisfying meal.

Dolmades me Avgolemono (dol-MAH-thes mé Avgolémono) , are vine leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice which are then served with an egg lemon sauce, called avgolemono (avgo = egg and lemoni = lemon).

Htapodi (octopus) is one of the most delicious Greek seafood dishes. This dish is cooked in a tomato sauce and then in the sauce we cook the pasta.

Kreatopita is a Greek meat pie that can be eaten as a main course with a salad or as a snack or taken at a potluck.

Mpiftekia, pronounced beef-TE-kya, which are Greek homemade burgers, can be shaped round, oblong or even wrapped around a skewer and grilled.
They are ideal for those who are on a diet provided the meat is lean and served with a salad.

Keftedes are juicy Greek meatballs made with ground veal, flavoured with oregano, fresh parsley and mint. They are the star of every party.

Tyropita (pronounced Ti-ROH-pee-tah) is usually made made with layers of buttered phyllo and filled with feta.   In this Tyropita I used Kataifi and five different kind of cheeses.  You can add only feta if you prefer and other cheese that melt well when baking.

A simple syrup sugar is made with sugar and water.  Usually the ratio is one part sugar and one part water,  for a medium, not very sweet syrup.  

Sponge Cake (pantespani, in Greek) is the base for many desserts. Using this basic recipe you can make birthday cakes but also many other desserts.

Pastry cream, which is also known as Custard cream or Crème pâtissière, in a French, is a rich, thick and creamy custard made from a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, flour, and cornstarch. In Greece it is known as Patisserie.

Greek Fried Potatoes, in Greek called Patates Tiganites,  (pr. pah-TAH-tess Tee-ghah-nee-TESS), are fried in olive oil, with oregano sprinkled on top.

Béchamel Sauce, is a White Sauce, made with all-purpose flour, butter (or olive oil) and milk.  The Greek version also includes eggs and cheese.

Today I am going to show you how to make Homemade phyllo, which takes time and skill to make, but if you follow my instructions, it won’t be that difficult. 

Fakes moutzentra is a lentil recipe we make in Cyprus and is a high protein, balanced healthy food, especially with the combination of rice.

Learn how to properly store, refrigerate, freeze, trim and dry herbs in order to help maintain their freshness and flavour.

This savoury bread soufflé is a deliciously satisfying dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Clarified butter is the result of heating the butter on low heat so that it separates from the solids, which are removed, so that only the pure butterfat remains.

Kotopoulo Lemonato is a traditional Greek dish featuring chicken and potatoes cooked together in a tangy lemon sauce.