Newsflash! Greek Life and Greek Food For Sharing


There’s exciting news that I’m just bursting to share with you…..insert drum rolll….and that is the much awaited stock of my cookbooks titled Greek Life and also Greek Food For Sharing have just hit the press.

Greek Life a book about family, culture and food


You’ve sent me messages, emailed me, visited bookshops asking when the books will be available….and I’m here to share that Greek Life and Greek Food For Sharing will be arriving within a month or so.

I have a growing waiting list of people who have already reserved their copies, so if you’re wanting to add these beautiful and meaningful books, composed and infused with love to your library, then let me know so that I can put your name on the list.

In the meantime for those outside of Australia, the updated soft cover edition of Greek Life and Greek Food For Sharing, plus my other books, can be found at my author page.

Greek Food For Sharing - Recipes that Nourish the Soul


Join the celebration of Greek culture!
Need more information? Visit my website.

Feel free to share this email with your family, friends and colleagues or better still ask them to sign up here and they will receive their own S/S edition of Easy Entertaining; a free mini cookbook from me!

With love,

Eugenia x

The Mediterranean Diet is a Lifestyle

A GUEST BLOGPOST

DR ROSANNE FREAK-POLI, BSc, BHSc, PhD

Senior Researcher, Epidemiologist, Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow

Last week I was enjoying a coffee at my old local coffee shop when I struck up a conversation with Eugenia, the owner of this blog. I am a life-course epidemiologist, meaning that I am interested in factors across the life course that impact health, well-being, and longevity.

These factors may not be obvious, and much of my work is exploring new potential risk factors for chronic disease. For example, I am currently funded by the National Heart Foundation of Australia to assess whether social connections with other people can prevent heart disease.

Eugenia and I soon realised our common interests in well-being and longevity. However, Eugenia taught me something very important that had escaped my attention. Eugenia was explaining the premise of her books “Greek Life” and “Greek Food For Sharing” which describe the benefits and lifestyle factors of the Mediterranean diet.

Greek Life a book about family, culture and foodI instantly made the common mistake of thinking of the Mediterranean diet as simply the nutritional benefits provided to our bodies, but what Eugenia explained is that the Mediterranean diet is more than this, it is a way of life.

Eugenia explained that the secrets behind this way of living consist of both food and lifestyle factors. These include choosing the freshest and seasonal fruits and vegetables, consuming small quantities of nuts, dried fruits and natural yoghurt, generous amounts of olive oil, enjoying a glass or two of wine with meals and not as stand-alone events. The diet also encompasses multiple servings each week of legumes, two to three servings of seafood a week, and very limited dairy, red meat, and poultry. An abundance of herbs that are used in both cooking and for medicinal purposes, such as herbal teas.Greek CoffeeAside from the food, the Mediterranean Lifestyle encompasses having fun, being socially connected with family and friends, laughter, and incidental exercise by way of walking, gardening or dancing. Enjoying a cup of Greek coffee that’s prepared on the stovetop using pulverised coffee, means that this brew is packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, and these contribute to health and longevity.

Greeks are known to take a nap after lunch and this helps the body to rest, restore and reset. Another important lifestyle factor is the fasting rituals that include over 200 days a year where no dairy, meat or poultry is consumed, and this caloric deficit also contributes to health and wellbeing.

I’ve now learnt that these are the reasons why in some parts of Greece people enjoy longevity and good health well into their 90’s and to beyond 100. The island of Ikaria is one such place, and its been named as the island where people forget to die.

Instantly it all made sense. As researchers conducting data analysis we can only assess the variables that are available in the database. If someone is interested in nutritional content, dietary patterns, and food behaviours then they may ask a lot of specific questions about these factors. Some interests are not collected at all, and because of this we would have very little information of the ‘way of life’ that the Mediterranean diet encompasses. An example of this is reflected through much of the lifestyle choices, for example, the importance of social connections that attribute to wellbeing and longevity.

Why does it matter? The public health message that we receive is that the Mediterranean diet is the most beneficial for health. However, if someone decides to make a lifestyle change, then the Mediterranean diet definition only discusses the dietary pattern and nutritional content. Potentially the other elements as discussed above are not provided and therefore the person wanting to make the lifestyle change is not fully informed.

I can see that Eugenia’s books would be of benefit to people wanting to make a positive lifestyle change, not just for health but also for their well-being.

Greek Life a book about family, culture and food 

 

 

 

 

 

Greek Food For Sharing

I’m super excited to introduce my latest cookbook to you,  Greek Food For Sharing; recipes that nourish the soul.

It’s filled with mouthwatering authentic Greek recipes that will tantalise the tastebuds. Take a journey through the pages of this beautiful book brought to life by evocative images that capture the beauty and sophistication of the Mediterranean and the unique flavours of Greece.

Think homemade filo pastry, Rozedes, Paximadia, Yemista, Moussaka and Pastitsio in both tradtional and vegan version for times of Lent, plus a vegan Mageritsa especially for Easter. My aromatic cinnamon rice is a family favourite, and I share with you the absolutely best Avgolemno soup, plus so much more!

Greek Food For Sharing continues the celebration and benefits of the Mediterranean Lifestyle. There is something for everyone including pescetarians, vegetarians, vegans, and of course those who enjoy the classic and delightful flavours of traditional Greek cuisine.

Get yours now!

Australian residents – signed copies of my book are available at these amazing stockists:-

Avenue Bookstore, Albert Park, VIC

Avid Reader, Queensland

Caras, Oakleigh, VIC

Dillon’s Bookshop, Norwood, SA

Dymocks Books, Rundle Mall, Adelaide

Dymocks Books, Glenelg, SA

Dymocks Books, Hyde Park, SA

Greek Bilingual Bookstore, NSW

Hill of Content, Melbourne, VIC

Mostly Books, Mitcham, SA

Mykos The Gift Collection, NSW

Norwood Garden Centre, SA

Once & Again Book Cafe, Plympton, SA

Omega Foods, Hindmarsh, SA

The Greek Providore, NSW

ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE LINKS BELOW

The softcover is available at Amazon Australia here.

The eBook on Amazon is available here.

The softcover is available on Amazon for those living in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, and Canada. Place your orders here.

Catherine House Ambassador 2019

2019 Ambassador for Catherine House – a call to action

It’s funny how some things just fall into place. You know, the kind of serendipitous moments that can’t be explained or fully understood.

Recently, my sister’s family experienced a knock at the door from a young lady seeking help. She needed safety, and it was offered to her. She was invited it, looked after, and served some tea before eventually being returned to Catherine House.

At about the same time, in my social media feed I saw a call to apply as an Ambassador for Catherine House. These two moments collided and I took actions to submit my application, and was deeply thrilled when it had been accepted.

I went to work organising my first fund-raising event, Canapes & Cocktails, hosted in my home for an intimate group of around 15 women. What transpired was not unexpected. You see, when women come together incredible things happen.

Catherine House I provided sparkling white wine and together with my daughter we served a delicious assortment of home made cocktail food.

In return these beautiful, kindhearted women turned up the energy, made wonderful connections, and importantly dug deep into their pockets to make a difference to the lives of others.  From this one event I raised $660, plus a few more donations from people who were unable to attend but still had the desire to make a difference, bringing the total to $1063.95. Wow!

As the year progressed  and more events were hosted, I raised a significant amount of money for this worthwhile cause. Gratitude is brimming from my heart.

In the last weeks of 2019, I donated 52 copies each of my 2020 Diary – A Year to Shine, and my recent book Living a Life of Inspiration and Meaning as Christmas gifts for the women rebuilding their lives. My wish is that my writing will inspire them to believe in themselves and begin to the live the life they so dearly deserve.

Thanks so much,

Eugenia xox

Any Given Thursday – a memoir by Eugenia Pantahos

Any Given Thursday – a memoir by Eugenia Pantahos

Last year on a Thursday evening in Frankfurt, Germany, I launched my memoir Any Given Thursday from my hotel bed. Only after I had hit ‘upload’, did I realise just how serendipitous that was.

Any Given Thursday is a book about friendship. It’s a story of a woman with a beautiful heart, a generous spirit, a diagnosis, and a battle that would become insurmountable. It’s a book about life and love, about dedication, about facilitating a journey, and the inevitable surrender. It’s about making a difference, showing up, having courage, and always remembering.

The eBook for Tablet, Phone and Kindle is now available here.

Paperback available here.

 

The story in this book is so close to my heart, and because of that, part proceeds will be donated to various causes as a way to give forward to those who are doing it tough. Help me to make a difference!

I’m thrilled to share with you just some of the reviews of Any Given Thursday.

REVIEWS

“I managed to read ‘Any given Thursday’ on a wintry day. Couldn’t put it down!! Thank you for allowing us into your personal and family life. Such a truly inspirational memoir of friendship.” – Emerald

“I just finished reading ‘Any Given Thursday’ and wanted tot hank you for sharing such a beautiful and personal story. I was personally touched by your expressiveness and connection to your beautiful friend as well as they way you’ve highlighted the importance of family and traditions! I have no doubt in my mind that AK is looking upon you with a smile every day for the beautiful family you have raised and the gifts that you have bestowed on all of us around you.” – E McD

I’m Eugenia Pantahos, and I thank you for reading my post!

xoxo

Learn the secrets of the Mediterranean Lifestyle

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.

Greek Life a celebration of the Mediterranean LifestyleThese 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

When Greek Life is the Gift to Give

When Greek Life is the Gift to Give

At my local supermarket Just last week I bumped into a young man who I’ve known for some years. He was so excited to share with me that he was one of the recipients of my book Greek Life at an award ceremony at the 2018 Glendi Festival. It made my day to learn that Greek Life was presented to the students for them to carry the torch of Hellenic culture with them into the future. Here’s the excerpt from the Adelaide High School Newsletter:

GLENDI GREEK FESTIVAL… OPA!

This year’s Glendi Greek Festival coincided with Greece’s National Day, March 25. To mark 40 years of the festival, it was moved to the heart of the city at Victoria Square. Here, our students’ Hellenic spirit was celebrated; our Year 12 students were awarded certificates for their service and dedication to their language learning and were presented a book, The Greek Life, written by Eugenia Pantahos by The Foundation of Hellenic Studies and The Greek Teacher’s Association, Year 9 and 11 students served dignitaries at the official opening function, and Year 8 and 9 student work was displayed in the school’s marquee.

Throughout the festival, Adelaide High Students represented the school and their culture proudly. Many danced in traditional dance troupes and volunteered in the food stalls for their community groups. The highlight, however, was witnessing many second and third generation migrants reveling in the atmosphere, dancing to the international acts and embracing Hellenism.

Ms Dimitra Rozaklis | Teacher of Greek

Mouthwatering Greek Shortbread aka Kourambiedes

Mouthwatering Greek Shortbread aka Kourambiedes

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

This is your special invitation to visit my YouTube channel where you can watch me preparing some amazing Hellenic recipes.

The latest instalment on my channel is the famous Greek Shortbread known as Kourambiedes. For those who already have my award-winning cookbook, Greek Life, you can find this aromatic and mouthwatering recipe on page 122. Impress your family and friends with this melt-in-your mouth, delicate Greek shortbread!

Open this link to watch a short demonstration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi3wjxjnfqMI value your time and my time and that means all my videos are around 2 minutes or less and set to music, allowing viewers to experience an uplifting and inspiring demonstration.

You see, I like my videos short, sharp and shiny, making them entertaining and easy to watch whilst protecting your time and mine. Let me know your thoughts, or any suggestions you may have.

Greek Life is now in limited supply….so if you haven’t added this timeless celebration of Greek culture and food to your collection, now is the time to do so. You’ll find an entire section on lent and fasting, Easter traditions, and delicious recipes that represent the Mediterranean Diet. Order here !

Smiles,

Eugenia xx

The Benefits of Travel

The Benefits of Travel

I’m feeling the inspiration and creativity that comes from traveling.

When we travel we are open to new experiences, new tastes, new sights, new smells, new rhythms, and to new people. We met many lovely people along the way from a talented French man who was on our train returning home from Venice to France. I simply adored hearing him say “oui madam”!!!

The Benefits of TravellingHe had just finished his engagement as MC and as a performer at Carnevale in Venice. Those closest to me know that I would love to attend Carnevale in Venice and when I learned that our plans in Italy meant we couldn’t attend I felt just that little pang of sadness. But the universe brought Carnevale to me, and I experienced it through his amazing photos and stories. The colours, the costumes, and the make up that took more than two hours to apply, allowed the experience to unfold right before my eyes. Such a gift.

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself” – Danny Kaye.

Then we met a wonderful, gorgeous Italian taxi driver with a beautiful presence, sparkling blue eyes and heartwarming smile. He is also a model (with dignity), is moving into his new home and is now working on decorating and styling plans with his interior designer.

We were so impressed with this young (33 year old) man that we engaged his services for three more taxi trips. In conversation he told us his birthday was coming up and it just happened to coincide with mine! That’s the third person to come into my life who celebrates on the 26th.

What surprised me the most is that he messaged my husband all the way from Italy to wish me a happy birthday!!!

Travel expands our thoughts, our relationships and makes one realise that we have more in common than we do differences. Finally, in the words of Mark Twain….

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”.

 

Love to you all

Eugenia xx

Greek Life now available at Wallaroo and the Riverland

Greek Life now available at Wallaroo and the Riverland

I’m super excited to have met the lovely Jane who has opened a pop-up shop in the seaside township of Wallaroo.

You can find Villa34 just outside the new Foodland in the mall, and if you step inside this lovely little store you will be amazed by the wonderful range of beautiful homewares, fashion, coastal themed decor, and of course you can get your signed copies of Greek Life.

Villa34 has a bricks and mortar store in the Riverland at Barmera as well as the pop-up store that is located at Wallaroo for the summer.

I’m so happy to have met Jane, who is a kindred spirit, and is deeply passionate about home styling, interiors, and fashion, and I’m proud to have my book Greek Life stocked in her seaside pop-up store and at Barmera in the Riverland.

Take some respite from the heat of the day to be inspired by this lovely shop that is so conveniently located.

 

Do drop in to see Jane to get your signed copies of the Gourmand award winning book Greek Life, and to get something special for your home.

Support local. Buy local. Support those who support me.

Happy holidays!

Eugenia xx