Category Archives: Health

Canberra launch of Greek Life

Canberra launch of Greek Life!

As some of you may remember, Greek Life was to be a private book written especially for my family and extended family. Then everything changed when I had the courage to say out loud that I had written a book. It was no longer locked away in the corners of my mind, or in a document on my laptop.

Eugenia Pantahos is bringing her book Greek Life to Canberra. Join her as she shares her story. Signed copies of this limited edition book available on the night. Don't miss out!!!

Bringing Greek Life to the lovely city of Canberra!

When I first embarked on the journey of bringing Greek Life to the public, I could only imagine some of the possibilities that lay ahead. I knew intimately that relationships are everything not just in our personal lives, but also in our professional lives. I’ve had so many wonderful people, too numerous to mention here, but nonetheless, these amazing individuals expanded my circle, introduced me to others who could open doors, and before I knew it, the community took notice, and I was book signing, being invited to give speeches, having a few gigs at being an MC, plus so much more.

In May this year, I shared my story with the lovely people in Sydney at a Taste of Greece Lunch. It was a wonderful experience and I got to meet some amazing people, who came along to listen about how Greek Life came to be. We have all become friends, and share and like each others posts on social media. Together we are celebrating the new friendships and in this modern age, it means we can connect, and stay in touch, even from afar.

Greek Life in Canberra with Eugenia Pantahos

Canberra, I’m bringing Greek Life to you x

This month, I’m bringing the story of my book, and sharing the journey with the lovely folk in Canberra. This event has been arranged with the Hellenic Club of Canberra, through a mutual contact from Sydney. I’m truly thrilled to be coming along to Canberra, and can’t wait to meet you all there!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your copies of the timeless book Greek Life, available exclusively in Canberra for this event. I’ll be signing books on the night too!

Please like and share this post. There is now limited stock of Greek Life, and I know you won’t want to miss out!

Eugenia xx

Banana & Cinnamon Cake perfect for Lent and vegans

Banana & Cinnamon Cake

This afternoon, is just one of those afternoons, when you crave something a little sweet, and a little bit healthy. With two overripe bananas in the fridge just waiting to be used up, Banana Cake, seems the natural option.

This fluffy Banana Cake has a good measure of cinnamon to add some spice to the sweet ripe bananas, as well as some soaked shredded coconut. Modified especially for Lent, I’ve used non-dairy milk, a touch of apple cider vinegar to replace egg, and sunflower oil instead of butter.

You’ll love this aromatic cake as an afternoon treat and to share with your family and friends!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Self Raising Flour, sifted

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2/3 cups brown caster sugar

1/4 cup non dairy milk

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup sunflower oil

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

2 very ripe large bananas, or 3 small, mashed

Soak 1/3 cup shredded coconut in 1/2 cup oat milk, or other non-dairy milk

Method

Place a sieve over a mixing bowl and sift the dry ingredients.

Add caster sugar and mix through.

Separately mix together the milk, apple cider vinegar, sunflower oil and vanilla essence.

Add this to the dry ingredients together with the mashed bananas and soaked shredded coconut.

Mix gently before placing into a greased cake tin.

Bake in a moderate oven for about 40 minutes, or until cooked through.

Let stand for 15 minutes before turning out onto a baking rack to cool.

Greek Life Stockists

Support Those Who Support Me

What you need to know NOW about Greek Life

Greek Life – available from my amazing stockists nationally

Greek Life (family, culture, food) has been embraced by the community at large, but this wouldn’t have happened without the support of my AMAZING stockists.

Discovering the meaning behind Greek traditions and the food prepared at certain times of the year or throughout one’s life, is the gift that Greek Life has given to those for whom Greek culture means something. It is unique, inspiring, a keepsake, a reference book, a cookbook, and a book that sits proudly in homes around the world.

Need convincing? Read the heartfelt reviews from my customers.

Within Australia, the hardcover collectors edition is available from my amazing, supportive and encouraging stockists. Greek Life has enjoyed pride of place in these select business, and I’m proud that my book has been so well received by them, and by you, the readers who are enjoying the journey, and who have joined the celebration that is Greek Life.

Please support those who support me. Remember, buy local. It’s the new black!

CANBERRA

Dymocks Bookshop, Canberra Centre

NEW SOUTH WALES

Glee Books, Glebe
Greek Bilingual Bookshop, Dulwich Hill
Reader’s Companion Bookshop, Armidale

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Booked, North Adelaide Village
Dillons Bookshop, Norwood
Dymocks, Burnside Village
Dymocks, Glenelg
Dymocks, Rundle Mall
Foodland, Frewville
Foodland, Pasadena
Globe Importers, Magill
Mostly Books, Torrens Park
Omega Foods, Hindmarsh

VICTORIA

Avenue Bookstore, Albert Park
Avenue Bookstore, Elsternwick
Caras Greek Music, Lonsdale Street
Caras Greek Music, Oakleigh
Dymocks, Collins Street
Hill of Content, Bourke Street

Braised Chickpeas

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle,

I love sharing new recipes with you, and I think this one is going to be a new family favourite!

A slow cooked delight of caramalized onions and buttery chickpeas.

This chickpea dish is equally delicious and nutritious with thinly sliced caramelized onions that add a certain sweetness to the buttery chickpeas. A slow cooked delight infused with a touch of earthy rosemary and aromatic bay leaves harvested from my garden.

Unless you grow your own bay leaves, or have family, friends or a generous neighbour that gift you some, you’ll never know what you’re missing out on. The flavour is deeper and more aromatic and these air dried leaves truly bring your dishes to life!

Chickpeas are a great source of protein for vegetarians, vegans, and for those observing lent. So now is a great time to enjoy the healthy and nutritious benefits of adding legumes to your diet, if you don’t already do so.

Serve with fresh continental style bread and a simple side salad of cos lettuce drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, a splash of white vinegar, and a sprinkling of dried mint. A perfectly fresh salad to accompany the richness of the braised chickpeas.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup good quality olive oil

1 brown onion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp chopped rosemary

3 bay leaves

1 can chickpeas, or equivalent fresh chickpeas soaked overnight, and drained

2 1/2 cups boiling water, from the kettle

Salt and pepper, to taste

METHOD

Gently heat the olive oil in a heavy based saucepan, and add thinly sliced brown onions.

Cook slowly over low heat for approximately 10-15 minutes until onion is soft and has collapsed.

Stir in sugar and balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pot.

Add rosemary, bay leaves, chickpeas, and hot water.

Bring to boil, and then reduce to simmer, until chickpeas are tender and liquid reduced.

Season according to your taste.

Enjoy!

Pastelli

Sesame and Honey Sweets from Zakynthos

Recently I felt inspired to make home-made Pastelli, a specialty from the island of Zakynthos, from where my father’s family is from. I engaged my intuitive cooking skills and the science of cooking to come up with a recipe that is both golden in colour, and quite simply delicious.

The addition of a hint of vanilla sugar, and freshly grated orange zest makes these original health bars just that little more aromatic and enticing.

Having rolled the mixture quite thin and cutting it into little squares makes them perfect for popping into your mouth. I much prefer them this way rather than having to bite into this crunchy and chewy mixture.

I cut pieces of clear cellophane to carefully wrap each piece of Pastelli and then finish them off with lengths of pretty ribbon tied into bows, before placing these beautiful little confection treats into my favourite footed sweets bowl ready for serving.

This recipe has a little crunch, so care needs to be taken of one’s teeth….alternatively just simply pop one into your mouth and allow these little sesame seed bars to tantalize your taste buds.

Here’s my recipe made with love, and brought to you with love!

Pretty Pastelli all wrapped up!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

1 teaspoon grated orange rind

1/2 cup almond slivers, toasted, for decoration

METHOD

Place the sesame seeds into a dry heavy based frying pan and toast gently.

In another saucepan heat the honey until it begins to bubble, add the orange rind, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Stir well over low heat until sugar is dissolved.

Transfer the toasted sesame seeds into the honey mixture and mix well.

Place baking paper onto a glass board or marble slab, or other smooth surface.

Working quickly, pour the mixture onto the baking paper, spread with a blunt knife, sprinkle with the toasted almond slivers, place another sheet of baking paper on top, and roll the mixture out thinly using a rolling pin.

Remove top layer of baking paper, and using a sharp knife proceed to cut the Pastelli into square or diamond shapes. Allow to cool completely.

Pastelli can be stored in airtight container but you’ll need to place a clean sheet of baking paper in between each layer, to prevent them from sticking together.

I like to wrap mine individually in cellophane and tie with a pretty ribbon.

Place the Pastelli into your favourite bowl to have available for your visitors to enjoy (that’s if your family can resits them) and serve with a glass of iced water and a Greek coffee!

EP xx

Speaker Invitation

For the love of Greece!

My Taste of Greece Dinners have enjoyed some amazing speakers sharing their knowledge in a relaxed long-table symposium style event where discussion happens over amazing Greek food and superb Greek wine.

Topics have included the Mediterranean Diet, Blue Zones, and Body Beautiful, and future topics will include Life and Death, The Idea of Love, and The Joy of Food.

If you have a topic that that you wish to propose, be it art, drama, lifestyle, wellness, food, psychology and health, then I’d like to hear from you, as I’m now planning for 2017 with a view to take the Taste of Greece dinner events to other Australian cities.

I embrace diversity and am supportive of finding the ‘right’ person to join me as a speaker and thereby fostering a working environment that is both productive and inclusive.

Message me here with your idea and contact details.

Taste of Greece Dinner

TASTE OF GREECE DINNER – Adelaide

Life becomes a little more meaningful when people come together over great food and wine, and inspiring conversation. I’m thrilled to bring you the dinner event for August.

TASTE OF GREECE DINNER

THE BODY BEAUTIFUL

Exercise | Food | Health | Performance

JOIN EUGENIA PANTAHOS and guest speaker DR EVANGELINE MANTZIORIS

As we celebrate the Olympic spirit in today’s modern world.

On Tuesday 23 August 2016 at 6.30pm at The Greek on Halifax, Adelaide

$55 per head

for sumptuous dinner, a glass of wine, loukoumades for dessert, and tea or coffee

B O O K I N G S E S S E N T I A L

Buy tickets here Taste of Greece Invoice August 2016

Looking forward to seeing you on the night!

EP xx

Almond Milk deliciousness

Almond Milk Deliciousness

I’ve been busy in the kitchen and decided to make almond milk. Some time ago, my friend AJ had explained to me just how simple it was.

Creative in the kitchen, homemade Almond Milk

Almond Milk Deliciiousness

It was on my list of things to try out and so on Sunday afternoon whilst waiting for my daughter to fly back from Europe, I did just that.

The result was a delicate and delicious homemade almond milk that tasted like it had come from heaven.

It’s lovely unsweetened (suits my taste buds), but of course if you like a little sweetness, then add as much sugar as you like. Pure vanilla essence, or a dash of ground cinnamon can be added too, making it just that little more exotic!

Here is the recipe:

In a glass bowl add 1/2 cup almonds (skins on), 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup of boiling water.

Leave for 10 minutes to soften.

Remove skins from almonds, place in a sieve and rinse thoroughly.

Place the blanched almonds in a blender with 2 cups of fresh cold water, and blend until the almonds have been ground up.

Drain the mixture through a sieve that has been lined with muslin.

The result is silky almond milk that is perfectly divine.

I placed the ground almond pieces from the cloth into a bowl, added 1/4 cup soaked raisins, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix through gently and serve as a side sprinkling of deliciousness with the almond milk.

Thanks for the love Business Chicks

Amazing things happen when women help other women!

Greek Life – get in touch with your inner goddess!

I’m feeling the love from Business Chicks. I’ve been a premium member for some years now and the opportunity to discuss, to inspire and feel inspired, to network with other wonderful women, and to learn from the amazing speakers has been rewarding in more ways than one. Each time I leave an event I feel fuelled with what is possible and any doubts of impossible is replaced with I’m possible!

My book Greek Life was featured in Issue 48, page 78 of Latte Magazine published by Business Chicks. Thanks for the love!

Health Benefits of Greek Coffee

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

Could Greek coffee hold the key to good heart health and longevity? A study published in Vascular Medicine, explains how elderly residents from the Greek island Ikaria who drank boiled Greek coffee displayed overall cardiovascular health. People in Ikaria are known for their good health and longevity, with many living well into their 90’s and beyond.

Greek coffee contains higher concentrations of protective antioxidants and polyphenols, and the way in which it is prepared (boiled not filtered) delivers more protective compounds in each cup. It has also shown to help protect the arteries, as well as lower your risk for diabetes and boost overall immune health.

greek coffee

So what are you waiting for? Take out your breeki (small coffee pot) and prepare this healthyful brew until the kaimaki rises to a deliciously creamy texture. Gently pour into your favourite demitasse cup, and of course enjoy with a glass of chilled water. Better still, invite a friend to join you!!

Stin iyeia mas!

To our good health!

GL xx