Category Archives: Coffee

Learn the secrets of the Mediterranean Lifestyle

You may wonder what all the fuss is around the Mediterranean Diet. I’d like to share the secrets behind this way of living, and why in some parts of Greece, people enjoy longevity and good health well into their 90’s and beyond 100.

Firstly, it’s not simply a diet. More than that, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about choosing the freshest in season fruits and vegetables, enjoying a small quantities of nuts and dried fruits, generous amounts of olive oil, a glass or two of wine, multiple servings each week of legumes, two to three servings of seafood a week, and very limited dairy, red meat, and poultry.

Correctly observed, the Mediterranean Lifestyle also incorporates times of fasting. As a rule each Wednesday and Friday, plus forty days before Easter, the first 15 days of August, 40 days before Christmas, and some other dates in between. That adds up to over 200 days of the year where no dairy, meat and poultry is consumed, and on some of these days oil and wine are also not consumed.

Aside from the food, the Mediterranean Lifestyle encompasses having fun, being socially connected, laughter, dancing, gentle exercise by way of walking, gardening or dancing (did I say fun?), sipping a Greek coffee served in a demitasse cup, enjoying a couple of glasses of wine, and basking in the company of family and friends.

These lifestyle choices are at the core of my book award-winning book Greek Life. If you love Greek food, and admire Greek culture, be sure to order your copies from Amazon. Click on this link to order my books.

Greek Life belongs in the homes of families for whom Greek culture means something.

I’m Eugenia Pantahos, and I thank you for keeping the celebration alive.

xox

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.

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