Tag Archives: greek

Greek Life and Boston, USA

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.

What you need to know NOW about Greek LifeFor 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

 

Almond Milk deliciousness

Almond Milk Deliciousness

I’ve been busy in the kitchen and decided to make almond milk. Some time ago, my friend AJ had explained to me just how simple it was.

Creative in the kitchen, homemade Almond Milk

Almond Milk Deliciiousness

It was on my list of things to try out and so on Sunday afternoon whilst waiting for my daughter to fly back from Europe, I did just that.

The result was a delicate and delicious homemade almond milk that tasted like it had come from heaven.

It’s lovely unsweetened (suits my taste buds), but  of course if you like a little sweetness, then add as much sugar as you like. Pure vanilla essence, or a dash of ground cinnamon can be added too, making it just that little more exotic!

Here is the recipe:

In a glass bowl add 1/2 cup almonds (skins on), 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup of boiling water.

Leave for 10 minutes to soften.

Remove skins from almonds, place in a sieve and rinse thoroughly.

Place the blanched almonds in a blender with 2 cups of fresh cold water, and blend until the almonds have been ground up.

Drain the mixture through a sieve that has been lined with muslin.

The result is silky almond milk that is perfectly divine.

I placed the ground almond pieces from the cloth into a bowl, added 1/4 cup soaked raisins, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix through gently and  serve as a side sprinkling of deliciousness with the almond milk.

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

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

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.

 

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

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.

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