Tag Archives: lent

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.

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

Apokreas – Carnivale – Masquerade

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

In preparation for Easter, I’m including the list of important dates to help with our spiritual growth during this time.

EasterDates

Apokreas literally  translates to saying ‘goodbye to meat’.  Celebrations will occur in the week preceding Clean Monday as families and friends gather for a final feast before observing  the Great Lent.

Fish may be eaten on the 25th of March being the Annunciation of Theotokos and again on Palm Sunday which falls on 13 April.

Because we all live busy lives, some people choose to observe the fasting period during Holy week, or just on Good Friday. It matters not, as health, wellbeing and work situations need to be also considered. It is a personal choice.

Please share your experiences and or fasting recipes with us here at Greek Lifestyle.

Kales Apokeas!

GL x