Tag Archives: greek traditions

Greek Life and Hill Street Grocer

Greek Life and Hill Street Grocer

I’m just feeling so thrilled. Truly, I am!

Greek Life has moved into new states, and the latest one to be added is Tasmania. The lovely people of Hobart can now get their hands on Greek Life. It’s a beautiful and meaningful book for anyone for whom Greek culture means something; the foodies, the travelers, the cooks, the coffee table book lovers, and of course those who simply love all things Hellenic.

What you need to know NOW about Greek LifeWithin its pages you will be taken on a journey of discovery as the story of family unfolds and then continues with the beautiful and unique traditions, culture, and of course the mouthwatering food prepared when observing these cultural traditions. Your mind will be stimulated with thought inspiring philosophy (a little mind food), and the photography will transport you to some intimate and unforgettable experience within your heart and soul.

Greek Life has been acclaimed as the highest quality book on Greek culture by many of my readers. It sits proudly in homes in Australia and beyond in all corners of the globe.  It is more than a cookbook, it is an anthology that brings to life the stories around  recipes and why its so important to preserve them.

Tasmanians, I know that you will love Greek Life as much as your counterparts do in this beautiful country we call home. Be inspired by what my readers are sharing with me. Join the celebration that is Greek Life.

Now in limited supply, this hardcover book is a beautiful gift for the special people in your life.

You won’t want to miss out, so now’s the time to visit the Hill Street Grocer in Hobart, to get your copies.  Local is the new black!

Eugenia xx

Greek Life available now at Hill Street Home, Hobart, TasmaniaHill Street Grocer where you can buy Greek Life by Eugenia Pantahos

 

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

Taste of Greece Dinner

Taste of Greece Dinner – The Blue Zones – 17 May 2016

An amazing bunch of people joined in the celebration of the Greek Lifestyle at the Taste of Greece Dinner with guest speaker Dr Evangeline Mantzioris discussing the Blue Zones and in particular why the people from the island of Ikaria enjoy health and longevity. Basically its where people Taste of Greece Dinnerforget to die! Here’s a link to an article that pretty well sums it up!

tog dinnerThese long-table dinners for up to 25 people allows for shared learning over amazing Greek food starting with dips and pita bread, spanakopita, saganaki cheese, local pan fried calamari, melt in your mouth souvlaki, and a glass  of either white or red Greek wine, loukoumades for dessert, followed by tea or coffee, and of course great company. I’m more than happy to discuss catering for vegans and vegetarians too!

The dinners are interactive with much discussion and sharing of knowledge and ideas, whilst exploring meaningful themes, and infused with lots of laughter and fun!

I’ve been told recently, that my Taste of Greece dinners are now referred to as the ‘new blue zone’ – a place for social interaction, learning, fun, food, wine, laughter, connections and meaningfulness. Such a compliment!

As part of my personal philosophy of giving back, each guest went home with a gift bag and a lucky lady won an amazing $100 luxury hair voucher that was generously donated by my beautiful friends at Yots Hair, King William Road, Hyde Park, and a lucky gent won an amazing bottle of Coriole wine.

Be sure to connect with me at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com and be the first to be in the know about future events. You won’t want to miss out!

Oh, and by the way, there are plans to take the Taste of Greece dinners nationally. So if you have any ideas about a great venue, be sure to email me.

GL xx

Be in the know about Greek Wedding Traditions

BE IN THE KNOW ABOUT GREEK WEDDING TRADITIONS

Are you planning your Greek wedding, or perhaps you have been given the honour of becoming a Best Man or Matron of Honour.

Then look no further than my book Greek Life that will give you all the information you need!

What you need to know NOW about Greek Weddings

Greek Life – the perfect book to learn about Greek Weddings

Inside you will find the tradition of the Bridal Bread, dressing the Bridal Bed (yes that’s right, rose petals, rice, sugared almonds, gold and silver coins, and few notes too) the responsibility of becoming a koumbaro / koumbara (best man  / matron of honour), and why a Greek wedding is steeped in so much symbolism. Your special day will mean so much more when you have the answers to the questions of:  What does the Common Cup really mean? What is the meaning behind the crowns?

Greek Life is the perfect book to learn about Greek Weddings and Traditions, and so much more including how to celebrate New Year’s, Easter, Christmas, weddings, births, baptism and farwelling our loved ones.

Greek Life comes complete with beautiful full colour photos (just to add some inspiration), amazing family recipes (yep, they are authentic), and a little philosophy (that’s right…some mind food). Greek Life is the book to have for life!

Visit my website to see the full list of stockists. It’s selling quickly, so best to call and get the bookshop to reserve your copy behind the counter.

If you can’t get your hands on Greek Life in store, then not to worry. Just head to my website where you will find links to purchase the eBook suitable for your electronic device. That means you’ll have Greek Life wherever you are.

You’ll love it, and you too will be ‘in the know’ and learn how to have your own dream Greek Wedding!

GL x

 

 

Taste of Greece Dinner

TASTE OF GREECE DINNER

TOGI’ve had an overwhelming response to my Taste of Greece Dinner….and that means we are ‘sold out’!

Thanks to all those who have booked and secured their places at the table. I very much look forward to catching up over a glass of wine, some amazing food and lots of stories. Thanks for connecting 🙂

GLx

 

Cream Kataifi

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

Here is my recipe for Cream Kataifi….a decadent and delicious dessert made especially for special occasions.

Base:

500 grams kadaifi (shredded wheat pastry)

180 grams  butter, melted

Syrup:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 peel of lemon rind

Custard:

4 cups milk

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons cornflour

1/2 cup sugar

 4 egg yolks

1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence

Topping:
Thickened Cream, whipped with a little caster sugar
Crushed walnuts

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Carefully pull apart the kadaifi and place into a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish. Pack down gently and then drizzle with the melted butter. Bake 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.

In small pot, combine the syrup ingredients; bring to a boil and simmer for 5-8 minutes.  Remove citrus peel and cinnamon stick. Carefully and evenly spoon the syrup over baked kadaifi base. Cool.

To make the custard heat 3 1/2 cups of milk.  Use the remaining 1/2 cup of milk to combine flour and cornflour. Add to the hot milk and whisk to prevent lumps forming. Add sugar and then quickly whisk in egg yolks.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thick.  Add vanilla essence and stir through. Remove from stove top and place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on surface of custard to prevent skin from forming.  Cool.

Spread custard evenly over kadaifi base. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.  Top with slightly sweetened whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed walnuts.

Best served chilled.

Enjoy!

GL xx

Palm Sunday

 

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday which commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jereusalem.  The church is decorated with palm fronds and daphne, and  at the end of the service the priest hands out cuttings of daphne and intricately woven crosses made from palm fronds for the faithful to take home.

Although Palm Sunday which is a Feast Day  falls during lent, it is permissible to eat fish. Traditionally Greeks celebrate with a lunch consisting of bakalarios (cod) and skordalia (garlic and potato puree) to celebrate this important day.

 

palm sunday

 

The official greeting is now Kali Anastasi, which translates to a good resurrection.

I will be preparing Koulourakia on Thursday and Tsoureki and Red Dyed Eggs on Saturday.

Good luck with your Easter preparations this week. I would love for you to share your special Greek recipes and traditions.

May we all have a happy Easter!

GL xx

The delights of Mediterranean Food

 

 

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle,

Much research has been conducted on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and especially the food and lifestyle of Greece.   Let’s consider the key factors of what makes the Mediterranean diet not only nutritious but also delicious and  healthy. The Mayo Clinic provides the following key factors of this popular way of eating:

  • Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
  • Replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil
  • Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavour foods
  • Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month
  • Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week
  • Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)

Being physically active, and enjoying meals with family and friends is essential to living the Greek way of life.   Socialising, laughing and story telling are also import components of connecting over a meal – making it more of a shared experience rather than a solo event.

pyramid

Have fun, experiment with your favourite ingredients and remember being healthy doesn’t mean being deprived. Create your dishes using seasonal and fresh ingredients to gain optimum value and nutrition. Cook for the people you love, and break bead with those dearest to you. Remember that cooking is an act of love!

GL xx

Apokreas – Carnivale – Masquerade

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

In preparation for Easter, I’m including the list of important dates to help with our spiritual growth during this time.

EasterDates

Apokreas literally  translates to saying ‘goodbye to meat’.  Celebrations will occur in the week preceding Clean Monday as families and friends gather for a final feast before observing  the Great Lent.

Fish may be eaten on the 25th of March being the Annunciation of Theotokos and again on Palm Sunday which falls on 13 April.

Because we all live busy lives, some people choose to observe the fasting period during Holy week, or just on Good Friday. It matters not, as health, wellbeing and work situations need to be also considered. It is a personal choice.

Please share your experiences and or fasting recipes with us here at Greek Lifestyle.

Kales Apokeas!

GL x