Category Archives: Culture

Ithaka

I’m feeling inspired by Homer’s classic story The Voyage of Odysseus, and recalled this famous poem titled Ithaka by Constantine P. Cavafy that was penned in 1911.

As mere mortals, we all experience obstacles and challenges in our lifetime that can seem comparable to Odysseus’ quest to return home to Ithaka.

But what does this mean? Ithaka is symbolic of a long journey representing an inner quest of self-discovery, and reminds us it is not the destination that matters; but the journey.

The question remains.. do we have enough strength, focus and determination to achieve our goals and endure life’s obstacles and difficulties as they arise, thereby becoming more wise and knowledgeable regardless of what our destination is; our own personal version of Ithaka?

I hope that you enjoy this poem!!

Ithaka

As you set out for Ithaka

pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon — do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

Enjoy!

GL xx

Greek Life family | culture | food

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle,

I am so pleased to announce that my book Greek Life has now been uploaded to the Google books online store and will be available very soon for Kindle, Kobo, iTunes, Amazon and other online retailers.

The hard back will be available from my online store from mid-January 2015 and will make the perfect gift for family and friends.

Greek Life is described as a ‘specially prepared trousseau of time-honoured Greek traditions, culture and recipes, lovingly assembled for future generations to be preserved and not lost, to be embraced and not forgotten, and always to be enjoyed and celebrated’.

Please sign up to my website to keep informed of upcoming launch events!

GL 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.

Those named Panayioti, Panayiata, Mary, Maria and Mario celebrate their name day on this day.

Hronia Polla to you all, and especially to my loving and deeply loved daughter Mary.

GL x

May 1st

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

Today in Greece its the 1st of May which is the celebration of spring and a labour day holiday. Flower garlands are made and placed on the front door of homes. Here’s one that I had fun making.

Take some time, pick some lovely blooms and decorative leaves, have fun, be creative and celebrate this beautiful spring holiday.

GL xx

St George’s Day

Hronia Polla to all those celebrating their name day today being the feast day of St George.

Kai to hrono!

GL xx

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

Easter Biscuits – Koulourakia

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

As we approach Easter Sunday, now is the time to dust off your cookbooks and prepare to make the all time favourite Easter biscuits known as koulourakia. Traditionally these are baked on Easter Thursday or Easter Saturday. Here’s one of my favourite recipes:

Koulourakia

Ingredients

½ block of unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup caster sugar

3½ cups plain flour

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence

1/3 cup milk or orange juice

Grated orange rind (optional)

Egg glaze

2 egg yolks

2 tablespoons milk

Place the egg glaze ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together with a fork. Using a small pastry brush, glaze the koulourakia before baking.

Method

Preheat oven to 190 degrees.

Warm the butter and add to the sifted ingredients.

Knead until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the beaten egg, vanilla and continue kneading.

Add milk and extra flour if required, and knead until smooth.

Break off pieces the size of small walnuts and roll out using your hands. Create traditional patterns of twists and coils.

Glaze koulourakia with the egg yolk mixture before baking.

Bake in a moderate oven for 15-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Happy Baking!!!

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.

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

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

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.

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