Category Archives: Family

Beautiful Blue and White

Beautiful Blue and White

Those who know me well also know that I have a passion for all things blue-and-white, and in my kitchen and living room especially you can see hues of this favourite colour combination, that makes me feel happy and inspired. This timeless colour palette evokes memories of the Aegean with its endless blue skies, and calm seas.

So it follows that when I brought Greek Life (family, culture, food) to life, the front cover would include this beautiful combination, in a truly authentic Hellenic theme. This timeless book inspires readers with the story of family, philosophy, beautiful photography, authentic family recipes and the principles that sit at the heart of the Mediterranean Diet.

Greek Life makes a beautiful addition to your collection, and a meaningful gift for your loved ones, and sits proudly in homes around the world. Now available as an eBook, a softcover and a hardcover.  Have you got your copies yet?

The hardcover is in limited supply. You won’t want to miss out on securing copies of this high quality book. Need convincing? Read my reviews. Find a stockist nearest you or order direct from me at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com

So join me as I invite you to step inside my living room and share my passion for all things blue-and-white, all set to some passionate Greek music. This little video, of course, also features my book Greek Life.

Join the celebration!

Eugenia xx

A Moment I Will Cherish

A Moment To Cherish

On Saturday I lost the man who raised me, a father who was also a friend. A man who dedicated his life to his family and to his community. A man who warmed the hearts of those he met. A man who embraced life. A man who shall always be remembered. A man whose life we will celebrate. To us he was baba, dad and daddy, to his grand-children he was papou, to his great-grand-children he was papouli, to his friends he was file (friend) and Kirie Yiannis ❤

A moment I will treasure foreverThis moment is one that I will cherish forever; my father reaching for my hand the day before he passed away.

He is now reunited with my beautiful mother ❤

Memory Eternal John Desyllas
1927 to 2017

For those who have my book Greek Life, the photo of my dashing father sitting on a bench can be found on page 22. This photograph was taken at Elder Park in Adelaide, the day after he arrived in Australia; a man filled with hopes and dreams. Circa early1956.

Many of my readers have reached out to me sending their condolences, and letting me know that they have re-read the chapter on the Story of Family and New Beginnings, providing a renewed inspiration from my parents incredible story.

My heart has a place that belonged to my father, and his memory shall always be eternal. I take comfort in the meaningful and fun relationship we enjoyed, for his guidance, sense of humour, lessons shared, and how he exemplified a dignified life through actions that represented his core values. My life is richer for having a father like mine, my children’s lives are richer for having a grandfather who was active in their lives. He will live on forever in our hearts and in our memories.

Eugenia xx

Greek Life and Boston, USA

Greek Life and Boston, USA

Welcome to GL!

Last month, Greek Life was featured in an online newspaper in the City of Boston, Massachusetts. I was so happy to see the publication, and truly sometimes I simply feel amazed by the support that I’ve received to date.

What you need to know NOW about Greek LifeFor the lovely people in Boston and beyond, If you would like to join the celebration that is Greek Life, than please visit my website where you can find links to the softcover version of Greek Life that celebrates family, culture, and food.

Within its pages, you will find mouthwatering recipes for the food prepared when observing cultural traditions, delicious and nutritious Lenten food, seafood, meat, and celebration foods, interwoven with thought inspiring philosophy, and beautiful full colour photography that takes readers on an intimate journey through the Greek way of life.

Greek Life is like no other cookbook. It is filled with cultural traditions and explains the when, why, and how of observing the timeless and meaningful Greek traditions. Be transported by the story of family as it unfolds, and be inspired by the Mediterranean Diet/Lifestyle and the healthy way of eating that is respected the world over as the most desirable and beneficial way of eating and enjoying life.

 

 

The Meditteranean Diet, image property of Eugenia Pantahos. Copright. Not to be used under any circumstances.

Eating the Greek way!

The Mediterranean Diet is more than food, it is a lifestyle that encompasses socialising, working, incidental exercise through gardening and dancing, enjoying coffee, oh and a few glasses of wine, eating seasonally, having very little dairy, enjoying seafood, but having limited meat.

It is mostly a vegetarian and vegan way of life especially when observing times of Lent and fasting.

Of course there are times that are celebrated throughout the calendar year, and we all know what that looks like! A Greek Feast, is like no other. Tables set with the most colourful assortment of food usually dressed in olive oil, lemon juice and oregano (or other homegrown herb) , aromatically prepared and slow cooked meats, mouthwatering sweets, wine, the elixir of the gods, and lots of kefi!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your copies of Greek Life at Amazon now and join the celebration that is called Greek Life!

Eugenia xx

 

Taste of Greece Lunch in Sydney

LUNCH IN SYDNEY

I’m looking forward to seeing you in Sydney  at the Tavernaki on Sunday 30th April at this Family Friendly Event.

Bring your family and friends and join in the discussion and celebration around my book Greek Life over delicious Greek food, great company, and inspiring conversation.

Book your tickets by either calling Eleni on mobile number 95594424 or email events@greekbilingualbookshop.com.au with your name, number of people attending, and any dietary requirements. A confirmation email will be sent to you.

Together we will enjoy a 3-course meal and glass of wine for a very reasonable cost of between $35 and $40 per person.

As you would expect from a Family Friendly Event, there is no extra charge for young children sharing with parents. Drinks of course are extra.

Hope to see you there!  Eugenia xx

Celebrating Easter the Orthodox Way

Celebrating Easter the Orthodox Way

Orthodox Easter Traditions

The meaningful celebration of an Orthodox Easter

From time to time I am approached and invited to be a guest contributor to Vanilla Magazine in Melbourne. It’s an opportunity I thoroughly enjoy as I get to share with readers my experiences on various topics, be it my beautiful home city of Adelaide, the tradition of the dowry, or the celebration of an Orthodox Easter.

You can find my article on celebrating Easter the Orthodox way in the Autumn issue  of Vanilla Magazine, on pages 12 and 13.

Vanilla Magazine do a wonderful job of showcasing some amazing talent, sharing interviews with people who ‘are doing if for themselves’, and opening up a world of inspiration and dedication. I think you’ll love this magazine as much as I do!

You can find all that you need to know about how to celebrate Easter the Orthodox Way in my book Greek Life, available from my stockists here in Australia, as an eBook from the links on my website, or as a soft cover at Amazon.

GL xx

I’ll have a copy of Greek Life with that!

Pick up a copy of Greek Life with your groceries!

You can find Greek Life sitting proudly at many high quality stockists in Australia including the award winning Frewville and Pasadena Foodland stores here in South Australia.

What you need to know NOW about Greek Life

Greek Life – now available in store at Frewville and Pasadena Foodland stores.

For the second consecutive year these fine supermarkets have been recognised and awarded the much coveted title of International Retailer of the Year. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nick Chapley and his team.

I’m proud to have my book Greek Life stocked at these iconic stores, and whether you’re buying Greek Life for yourself or as a gift, you will find them especially gift-wrapped to keep your copies safe when shopping.

Greek Life is a celebration of family, culture and food, and at the core are the principles of the highly regarded Mediterranean Diet, or as I like to call it, the Mediterranean Lifestyle. Unique and inspiring, Greek Life commences with the story of family and continues with thought inspiring philosophy, beautiful full colour photography, and authentic family recipes that are prepared when observing cultural traditions.

Greek Life is the perfect gift for Easter, so when you stock up on your chocolate Easter eggs, let the staff know that you’ll like Greek Life with that!

 

GL xx


Lighting of the Olympic Torch

Lighting of the Olympic Torch

Beautiful ancient Olympia, and the meaningful and symbolic lighting of the Olympic Torch. My family’s origins is from Pyrgos Ilias that is home to Olympia, so this has that extra special meaning for me.

Watch this beautiful video.

Come along to the Taste of Greece Dinner on 23 August 2016 as we celebrate the Body Beautiful and the Olympic spirit! Book here.

Loving the feedback

I’m simply loving the feedback from my readers of Greek Life. Here’s one that pretty well sums up my vision for Greek Life. I couldn’t have said it better!!

‘I had the pleasure of attending a book reading and meeting the lovely Author of Greek Life , Eugenia Pantahos. I sat listening to her stories of life growing up in a Greek household in the Diaspora, and it hit me now profoundly linked and similar our lives and experiences are.

What you need to know NOW about Greek Life

Greek Life – the perfect book to learn about Greek culture and traditions

For a Greek family cooking , and eating with others is a huge part of our culture and heritage. It is also Linked to our sense of Philotimo.

Philotimo is a Greek word that is without definition, but impacts the world beyond imagination. The word philotimo comes from the Greek root words “filos,” meaning friend, and “timi,” meaning honor. When Greeks have food , there is life and kefi , what we have in our homes is always on offer to others , no matter how much or how little we have.

Greek Life began as an idea to collaborate into some sort of book format Eugenia’s recipes , and those of her mother. Something to pass onto her three daughters , as well as other family members.

With that idea she formed a beautiful collection of recipes , marking every occassion in the Greek Calendar. Honouring every tradition of the rich Hellenic Culture . Something I for one value greatly and I know future generations will benefit from her explanations , simple recipes and stunning photographs !

Each section of the book starts with a philosophy & makes reference to that seasons celebrations. Each recipe has its own ‘life ‘ and explanation , so you as a reader can understand and appreciate the Greek traditions and customs behind the celebration.

You will find everything from ‘Wedding Bread ‘ to ‘koliva’ in this book , and even references to certain plants and greens we find in our gardens that are used in our cooking and salads.

With Greeks as we know , we don’t really care what you do , but rather ‘ where are you from ?’ . I was curious given I recognised Eugenia’s surname as my mothers relatives from her village. I finally mustered up the courage to put my hand up asking a question that led to where her in laws descended from , and it was indeed my Mothers village ! I so love this connection with Greeks.
Greek Life is so much more than a cookbook, given so much of Eugenia’s life and family are intertwined with it. It is also a wonderful reference for Greek Customs and way of life. It sits proudly on my coffee table , thank you Eugenia for writing such a beautiful Anthology for us to pass on to our children. – Eleni Tsemtsidis

Interview with Ali Clarke on ABC891

INTERVIEW WITH ALI CLARKE ON ABC 891 ADELAIDE

Jeanie & ALI ABC 891

 

I had the absolute pleasure of being interviewed live in the studio on ABC 891 Adelaide Radio with the lovely Ali Clarke on the morning program explaining the traditions around Greek Easter, the story of how I came about to write Greek Life and more.

For those who are interested here’s the interview…..:)

GL x

 

 

VANILLA CAKE VEGAN

You’ll love this easy to make Lenten / Vegan Vanilla Cake that’s a special treat for fasting, just takes a few minutes to mix up and around half an hour to bake in the oven. The result is a fluffy and aromatic cake….and you wouldn’t know that it’s Vegan!

The best Vanilla Cake that is a perfect treat for Vegans and those observing Lent

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients into a bowl.

1 3/4 cups Self Raising Flour, sifted

1/2 tsp Salt

3/4 cup Caster Sugar

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients into separate small bowl.

1 cup Oat Milk (or other non-dairy)

2 tsp Pure Vanilla Essence

1/3 cup Light Tasting Olive Oil (or Sunflower Oil)

1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Step 4: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, and mix well.

Step 5: Grease a 10″ round cake tin and grease with olive oil spray or sunflower oil, and line with baking paper.

Step 6: Bake at 180 degrees (350 F) for approximately 30-40 minutes. Test with a skewer.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Dust with sifted icing sugar before serving.

This cake keeps well, and is perfect for sharing with friends either over a glass of sparkling wine, or your favourite tea or coffee, a bowl of fresh berries, or perhaps a dollop of blackberry jam.  I had some fun using freshly picked flowers from my garden to add a splash of colour!

Enjoy!

Eugenia x