Tag Archives: greektraditions

Greek Kolliva Recipe for Honoring Our Loved Ones

Greek Kolliva Recipe for Honouring Our Loved Ones

My father has been remembered at a 9-day memorial service. As is traditional in a Greek Orthodox Memorial Service, there is some preparation required. My sister baked the Artos Bread and I prepared the Kolliva, that special Greek recipe prepared for honouring our loved ones, and these were all blessed and served at a short family service at the cemetery.

Greek Kolliva are especially prepared for honouring those who have passed, symbolizing the circle of death and rebirth.

Boiled clean wheat, raisins, currants, walnuts, almonds, pomegranate, parsley, cinnamon and cloves are mixed together and then covered with ground toasted sesame seeds and topped with a layer of loose icing sugar.The kolliva, that represent the promise of eternal life, are then decorated with the initials of the deceased and other motifs.

There is something quite reverent in preparing the Artos bread, the Prosfero Bread (to take to Church), and the Kolliva, and my family have honoured my mother over the last 7 years in this way, and now we are honouring our father. Memory Eternal.

Artos Bread and Kolliva Eugenia Pantahos

Explanation of traditions together with recipes can be found on pages 172-179 of Greek Life. You too can learn step-by-step how to honour your loved ones, be it for the 40 day, 3 month 6 month, 9 month or 12 month memorials.

Greek Life is available at my online shop, and from my national stockists.

With love and remembrance for my dear parents.

Eugenia xx

Greek Life a Self-Published Success Story

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

A little while ago, I learned that my book Greek Life, a celebration of family, culture, and food, was to be shared as an example of what a self-published book could look like. with regard to design, layout, and content. A much respected book store owner who fell in love with Greek Life when she first saw it, was the guest speaker at this event and she had chosen my book as an exemplary example of a self-published book!

What you need to know NOW about Greek Life

A book about family, culture and food by Eugenia Pantahos

My friend Doris had called me excitedly to let me know that that my book Greek Life was to be discussed at this event. Naturally I jumped at the opportunity and eagerly accepted Doris’ invitation to join her, and when I arrived I found that Doris had reserved a place for me to sit next to her . The two of us were first time authors and we listened and learned about others who had gone before us on this unknown journey of writing and publishing.

You can only imagine my surprise that Greek Life was to be showcased by such a respected person, and of course, how could I not go along to listen to what she had to say.

I sat there in awe, watching her hold up my book, and talk about not only the design elements, but also about the way in which I wrote Greek Life, describing it as tenderly written. I know that my readers express the same experience when reading Greek Life, often being moved by the story of family and the anthologies surrounding the food.

This lady was so passionate about my book, and what was amazing is that with her expertise and years of experience she instantly recognised the ‘non-negotiable’ design elements that I had envisioned for my book.

It was a moment that I won’t forget, seeing my book being held up for all to see, and certain pages shown to the audience. Seeing this through the eyes of an audience member, but also as the author, was surreal and humbling. I felt quietly proud to have my book discussed so passionately.I was simply amazed that my book had been chosen for this event, and thank Charmaine from Mostly Books for her heartfelt and professional views.

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!!!

Greek Life – a self publishing success story

When bringing Greek Life to life, my vision was to publish a book of the highest quality, one that created a celebration around Greek culture, and one that was supported by thought inspiring philosophy and beautiful photography. Choosing the final fonts and colour schemes, and the placement of images in a meaningful way, meant that Greek Life is now regarded as the foremost book on Greek culture. That’s something I’m truly proud of.

Join those around the world who have placed Greek Life at the heart of their homes. Learn about the essence of the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle that is celebrated through seasonal and delicious food both for times of celebration and for observing cultural events. Be moved by the story of family and migration, and harness your inner domestic god or goddess as you experience ‘real’ Greek food. Expand your thinking with thought inspiring philosophy, and take an intimate journey with me through the pages of Greek Life.

If you would like to watch this short 2 minute expose start listening from 19 minutes in 🙂

I hope you enjoy this little clip!

Eugenia xox

Greek Life – people tell me it’s the best!

Welcome to GL!

When I embarked on my self-publishing journey I soon realised that this small business venture of mine as a first time author also needed much focus and dedication to get my book into the right businesses. The types of business that were well know for their great customer service, their professionalism, offering a great mix of genres, and who were quite simply ‘great operators’. I knew intimately, that my book Greek Life was to be stocked in only the best stores in Australia.

With that in mind, I went firstly to the stores that I shopped in here in South Australia, and was overjoyed when these wonderful bookstore managers agreed to stock Greek Life. My list of stockists grew steadily in SA, Victoria, and New South Wales, and before I knew it my first print run had sold out.

I then pondered the idea of a reprint. Well how could I not go down this path with over 200 books on back-order? And so, the second print run, that was slightly delayed due to personal commitments, was eventually delivered a few days before Christmas.

My back orders were filled just in time for the festive season and there was something quite satisfying knowing that I hadn’t let people down. You see, my word is my calling card!

This now gave me the wonderful opportunity to seek stockists in other states in Australia, and soon Greek Life would be stocked in a few more shops in Melbourne, and new markets would be found in Queensland, Tasmania, and WA. I’m delighted that Greek Life can now be found in almost each state and territory within Australia.

My next goal is to have Greek Life stocked in the Northern Territory! With only limited stock available, it would be wonderful for all people across Australia for whom Greek culture means something, to be able to secure copies of Greek Life for their families, friends, and loved-ones.

Within its pages, readers will go on a remarkable journey with the story of family and migration, and join the unique, beautiful and inimitable celebrations that surround New Years, Easter, Christmas, Love and Other Ceremonies, Births and Baptisms, and Honoring our Loved Ones. At the core is the philosophy of the Greek way of life that encompasses the benefits of the Mediterranean Lifestyle, plus so much more.

Interwoven within its pages, is thought inspiring philosophy and beautiful and sumptuous full colour photography. Greek Life transports readers through a visual and culinary journey like no other!

Greek Life is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, kitchen teas, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Valentines Day and more. So love the one you’re with, and give the gift that keeps giving.

Eugenia xx

A sneak peak into Greek LIfe

A book about family, culture and food by Eugenia Pantahos

Greek Life hardocover available nationally in Australia

Get your copy of Greek Life from a stockist nearest you!

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.

For 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

Panaghias – 15th of August

Welcome to Greek LIfestyle!

One of the most important feasts in the Orthodox calendar is celebrated on the 15th of August. It is the celebration of the Dormition (falling asleep) of mother Mary and marks the day that she is reunited with her son in heaven. In Greece this day marks a significant public holiday, with attendances at church services and much festivity.