Tag Archives: Mediterranean

Beautiful Blue and White

Those who know me well also know that I have a passion for all things blue-and-white, and in my kitchen and living room especially you can see hues of this favourite colour combination, that makes me feel happy and inspired. This timeless colour palette evokes memories of the Aegean with its endless blue skies, and calm seas.

So it follows that when I brought Greek Life (family, culture, food) to life, the front cover would include this beautiful combination, in a truly authentic Hellenic theme. This timeless book inspires readers with the story of family, philosophy, beautiful photography, authentic family recipes and the principles that sit at the heart of the Mediterranean Diet.

Greek Life makes a beautiful addition to your collection, and a meaningful gift for your loved ones, and sits proudly in homes around the world. Now available as an eBook, a softcover and a hardcover. Have you got your copies yet?

The hardcover is in limited supply. You won’t want to miss out on securing copies of this high quality book. Need convincing? Read my reviews. Find a stockist nearest you or order direct from me at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com

So join me as I invite you to step inside my living room and share my passion for all things blue-and-white, all set to some passionate Greek music. This little video, of course, also features my book Greek Life.

Join the celebration!

Eugenia xx

Greek Dolmadakia Recipe – Stuffed Grape Vine Leaves

Spring is the best time to prepare dolmadakia, when vine leaves are young and fresh. I’ve been lucky to have access to homegrown and organic tender, young vine leaves, and once you’ve used the best, its difficult to use the preserved varieties.

So how to prepare this classic Hellenic dish? It’s very simple, a little time consuming, but its definitely worth it!

Here’s a little video of me preparing dolmadakia that you might enjoy!

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3/4 cup long grain rice

1 cup hot water, from kettle

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

1/4 cup finely chopped mint

salt and pepper, season to taste

30-50 vine leaves, depending on size

Method

Heat the olive oil in a medium sized saucepan and saute the onion until soft and transparent.

Add the rice, stir, and cook for a couple of minutes.

Add the herbs, and season with salt and pepper.

Continue stirring for a minute before adding the hot water.

Stir well, bring to the boil, reduce heat and cook for approximately 5 minutes.

Turn off the heat and place a lid on the pot.

To prepare the vine leaves you will need a large stainless steel bowl half filled with boiling water, and another stainless steel bowl filled with cold water. Place around 5 leaves at a time in the hot water first, and press down gently to ensure they are covered. As the leaves change colour which may take 3-5 minutes, remove the leaves gently and place into the cold water to stop the cooking process.

Take each leaf and drain over the edge of a colander that has a large dish beneath it to catch the drips of water. Repeat until all leaves have been prepared.

With the smooth side down, and the stem side towards you, place the vine leaf onto a large plate. Place a heaped teaspoon of the mixture horizontally onto the leaf, and fold in the end with stem, roll once again, and then fold in the sides, and then gently roll to form a nice little parcel.

Line the bottom of a saucepan with 3 layers of baking paper or a heatproof plate that fits snugly and place the dolmadakia on top fitting them in nice and tight. Continue rolling until all leaves are used up.

Drizzle with approximately 1/4 cup olive oil, gently pour over 3/4 cup hot water, and then finish with the juice from half a juicy lemon. Then top with an inverted plate to keep the dolmadakia from moving around in the pot. Place lid on pot and take to the stove top, bring to the boil, then reduce heat and cook for approximately 1 hour or until rice is cooked. You’ll need to have a little sneak peak. When ready, turn off the heat and leave the pot to sit until completely cool and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Dolmadakia usually taste better the next day, so if you can resist, when they have cooled put them onto a serving plate and place in the refrigerator. Enjoy with a dollop of Greek natural yoghurt, a bowl of kalamata olives, wedges of tomatoes, slices of cucumber, some continental bread, and wash down with a crisp white wine.

Kali Orexi!

Eugenia xx

Greek Life a Gastronomic Journey

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

Greek Life at Hellenic Club Woden Canberra

Get your copies of the hardcover Greek Life now while stocks last!

Last Friday I had the absolute pleasure of being interviewed about my cookbook Greek Life on our very own local radio station with Jo Russell-Clarke right here in Adelaide on Radio 101.5 on the Gastronaut program.

We discussed the inspiration for me writing Greek Life, essentially the story behind the story, memories of food, the wonderful health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and what it meant to grow up in a traditional Greek home in South Australia.

Of course food was talked about extensively and the way in which it brings family together both in happy times and times when we honour our loved ones, the seasonality of food, and the benefits of eating with the natural rhythms.

Greek Life has been embraced nationally and internationally. It is proudly stocked in over 30 stores nationally within Australia, and at only the best stores in Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, South Australia and Perth. Find the full list of stockists here.

When I first embarked on bringing my book to life, I could only imagine the journey that has transpired. Greek Life was written from a place of love and pure intent, and my readers explain to me that they absolutely do feel the love in my book. I feel so humble and proud that my journey as a first time author has been so well received.

If you would like copies of the exclusive hardcover available only in Australia, then please don’t miss out, as there is limited stock of Greek Life, now in its second print run.

The hardcover book is available to those outside Australia, but will attract a higher postage fee. If interested, its best to email me direct at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com

If you’d like to listen to my interview, open the audio link below. I hope you like it.

Eugenia xox

Audio Player

Greek Life and T-Bar Tea Salons

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle,

I love collaborations. Put quite simply I enjoy supporting businesses that I admire and that provide a great product and service. With that in mind, as a winter treat T-Bar Tea Salons, ‘the best tea in town’, have supplied two amazing teas especially for this chilly time of year. This gift with purchase means 12 lucky readers will be the recipients of some truly delicious teas, when ordering the timeless cookbook Greek Life direct from me.

I’m a proudly South Australian author whose book Greek Life has been embraced nationally and internationally. Greek Life celebrates much of the Mediterranean Lifestyle and one aspect is of course the medicinal value of food, spices, and herbs. Collaborating with T-Bar is more than meets the eye. It’s a shared appreciation that there’s nothing quite like a good cup of tea!

Good tea is at the heart of what T-bar Salons do best. A proudly run South Australian family business (we have that in common), T-Bar offers 120 blends and varieties to be enjoyed year round.

Whether its an elegant tea for a fashionable tea party, a fortifying brew over a much needed tete-a-tete, or the magical and wonderfully medicinal benefits of herbal teas, it matters not.

What does matter however is that your favourite tea leaf is sourced direct from the growers, and that means authentic flavours from around the world, poured into your teapot!

Put the kettle on, and savour the moment as you curl up and take a journey through the pages of Greek Life, where by the way, you’ll find more on medicinal teas for health and wellness, plus so much more!

There’s only ONE way to win, and you will need to be quick.

Here’s how it goes…..

Order your copy of Greek Life direct from at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com
Australian orders only
Offer ends midnight 31 July 2017
And you’ll be the recipient of some truly delicious tea with your copy of Greek Life.

Spread the word, tell your family and friends, like and share this post, and lets enjoy a cuppa on T-Bar!

Eugenia xoxo

Halcyon Days

Welcome to GL!

Just last week I was sitting at a cafe with my father enjoying a cup of coffee and sharing a galaktoboureko (Greek custard and pastry). We were sitting outside soaking up the sun on this late June day, being the end of the first month of an Australian winter. I was explaining to dad that when traveling in Greece a few years ago, I had learned some new words, one of which was Alcyonides.

In Greece, the Alcyonides is the name for the two weeks in winter from just after Christmas to the middle of January, when the skies are clear, the sun shines, and the days are windless, beautiful and calm. This 14 day period takes place 7 days either side of the shortest day of the year.

We were indeed experiencing the Southern Hemisphere Alcyonides whilst sipping our coffee and enjoying our sweet. I was transported to the time when my family and I were staying in Ancient Olympia in the middle of January (northern Winter), and experienced first hand this exact phenomenon, sitting in t-shirts and soaking up the winter sun.

This morning I walked from my home to a cafe at a nearby suburb and again found myself thinking about our holiday, especially with the beautiful winter days that we are experiencing here at the moment. Whilst waiting in line to order my coffee, I thought fondly of our trip as the Halcyon Days. In that moment I had an epiphany that Halcyon was the English interpretation of the Greek word of Alkyonides. There it was, a flash of lightning, a moment of clarity and truth. It was the translation of the Greek word that had been on my mind for the last few days.

In Greek mythology, the Alkyonides were the seven daughters of Alcyoneus who was slain by Heracles. The daughters, in despair, threw themselves into the sea and were transformed into kingfisher birds.

Another myth tells the story of a devoted and loving couple Alcyone (kingfisher) and her husband Ceyx, who sacreligiously called each other ‘Zeus’ and ‘Hera’. This angered the gods, and Ceyx’s ship was struck with a thunderbolt. On learning this, Alcyone threw herself into the sea. The Gods changed them both into Halcyon birds. It is believed that this two week period allowed Alcyone, now a kingfisher, to lay her eggs and make a nest on the beach safely, without wind and waves.

Walking back from the cafe on this beautiful winter’s day, I came across two little birds intertwined on the footpath, playing joyfully, and I thought, yes, these are indeed the Halcyon Days!

Eugenia xx

Taking Greek Life to Canberra

Welcome to GL!

I’ve had a couple of wonderful days in our Capital City, Canberra. It’s the first time that I’ve visited this city, and the aerial view was quite impressive. The people are so friendly, and my taxi drivers were so informative and helpful.

Having been invited to share the story behind my book Greek Life, I was so happy to meet some truly wonderful people who came along to share in my story.

You may remember, that the last blog post was written at Melbourne airport whilst I was waiting for my connecting flight to Canberra. After boarding and settling back in the window seat, a lady named Therese sat at the aisle seat.

Introductions were made, and soon we started chatting and it was truly so lovely to meet this wonderful and worldly lady who was heading back to Canberra to visit her friend and her mum. After learning that I was presenting an author talk, Therese said she was hoping to bring her friend Donna to my event at the Hellenic Club. As you can imagine, I was so truly thrilled to see that both Therese and Donna came along to my talk, and that they went home with signed and personalized copies of Greek Life!

Upon arriving at the Aegean Room at the Hellenic Club, I was also surprised to see that there were people waiting to see me, to chat, and to secure signed copies of Greek Life before the event. A few people purchased one copy, only to come back a few minutes later to buy more.

The Hellenic Club at Woden, did a beautiful job spoiling guests with a delicious buffet of cheese, crackers, and platters of fruit prepared by the catering team, served with a choice of wines or tea and coffee. I also wanted to showcase some of the lovely chocolates made by the iconic South Australian chocolate makers, Haigh’s Chocolates, so guests also got to savour some delicious dark pastels.

After a wonderful introduction by Yiota, it was my turn to share the story of Greek Life, the story of my family, the philosophy, some personal photographs from our family archives as well as images of just some of the food found in Greek Life, based on the principles of the Mediterranean Diet/Lifestyle.

At the end of the presentation, people stayed back and shared with me what the book means to them. The feedback was sincere and inspiring, and I felt so happy to have made meaningful connections with those who came along. After a chat with Yiota, and meeting the President of the Hellenic Club, it was off to bed for me, but not before enjoying a sneaky night-cap (ok…a glass of wine)!

After a restful sleep, and some peppermint tea, I caught up with a family friend for a delicious and healthy brunch at 80/20 on Lonsdale Street. I managed to squeeze in some sight seeing, with my first stop being the National Library of Australia. I signed up to become a member so that I could request that my copy of Greek Life, that was gifted to the Library when first published, could be brought up so that I could have a photograph taken. It was such a beautiful and special moment in my journey so far.

Naturally, this auspicious occasion deserved a little personal celebration. The National Library has a lovely cafe and in the spirit of celebrating in style, I decided to order some sparkling wine (the sign did read ‘press for champagne’) and a serve of a coconut and raspberry cake; scraping off the rich cream cheese topping of course!

It was a little decadent, and I loved every minute of it. This private moment of stopping, acknowledging, and celebrating is just as important as the journey. You see it has taken much dedication, vision, strategy, commitment, and determination to make this happen. To back myself, to live a dream out loud, whilst also being a daughter, sister, wife, and mother to 3 amazing girls.

After my little celebration I continued taking in some of the main sights of Canberra, taking a lovely stroll to the National Portrait Gallery, which is an absolute must visit when in this city. The photo to the left is my own ‘self portrait’ titled ‘Rear Mirror’. A little bit of fun in the ladies; I hope you like it (insert wink)!

I admired the work of some amazing artists and in particular I liked the portrait of Carla Zampatti (Australian Fashion Icon), Paul Grabowski (Musician/Composer), Ronnie Tjampitijimpa (Indigenous Australian), and a tall striking portrait of a judge (the name escapes me). I meandered my way to the National Art Gallery and was captivated by the beautiful composition and shimmering colours of Monet’s Water Lillies, a must do if you’re in our capital city.

On the lower ground floor on the way back to the cloak room I got see some amazing indigenous art, before taking a taxi for a quick stop at the Kingston foreshore for a promenade whilst having a wrap-up phone call with Yiota before heading to the airport to take a direct flight home and be reunited with my family.

If you’re living in Canberra, and missed the talk, or if you did come along and would like more copies of Greek Life, then please visit Yiota Eleftheriou at the Hellenic Club at Woden.

There are limited copies of Greek Life in stock there, and that means you’ll save on the postage and handling costs. So now’s the time to secure your copies. It’s never too early to get your loved ones a timeless and beautiful gift for Christmas, or graduations, birthdays and more!

Thanks for joining the celebration that is Greek Life, and thank you for your continued support!

Eugenia xx

Greek Life available nationally

Greek Life Available Nationally

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

Today I’m sharing some really exciting news!

I’m traveling from Adelaide to Canberra via a short stopover in Melbourne, where I’m typing this blog post, sipping peppermint tea, and taking the time to chime in and do a few social media updates. You see, I’m off to Canberra to share the story behind the story of Greek Life, and how this book came to be. I’m so happy to be visiting our Capital city, and meeting the lovely people of Canberra tonight at the Hellenic Club at Woden.

My latest exciting news is that Greek Life can now be found in each state and territory in Australia. From Adelaide to Darwin, and Perth to Canberra, and all the cities in between.

Parap Fine Foods in Darwin is the latest addition to where Greek Life can be found. This high quality fine food store is a perfect match for my book.

The Hellenic Club at Woden in Canberra have books available for those living in our Capital City.

In Tasmania, Greek Life can be found at the amazing fine food store Hill Street Grocer, and over in the West, Boffins Books is where the fine people of Perth can get their copies of Greek Life.

All this shows an amazing support for my timeless book Greek Life, that can be found in only some of the best business in Australia. Greek Life continues to sit proudly in homes across our beautiful country, and beyond in cities around the globe. In fact, I’ve just received a phone call from a lady who requires 2 signed copies for her friends, with one being sent Germany!

Thanks for the love, thanks for the support, and thanks for joining the celebration that is Greek Life!

Eugenia xx

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.

For 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

Greek Life and Hill Street Grocer

I’m just feeling so thrilled. Truly, I am!

Greek Life has moved into new states, and the latest one to be added is Tasmania. The lovely people of Hobart can now get their hands on Greek Life. It’s a beautiful and meaningful book for anyone for whom Greek culture means something; the foodies, the travelers, the cooks, the coffee table book lovers, and of course those who simply love all things Hellenic.

Within its pages you will be taken on a journey of discovery as the story of family unfolds and then continues with the beautiful and unique traditions, culture, and of course the mouthwatering food prepared when observing these cultural traditions. Your mind will be stimulated with thought inspiring philosophy (a little mind food), and the photography will transport you to some intimate and unforgettable experience within your heart and soul.

Greek Life has been acclaimed as the highest quality book on Greek culture by many of my readers. It sits proudly in homes in Australia and beyond in all corners of the globe. It is more than a cookbook, it is an anthology that brings to life the stories around recipes and why its so important to preserve them.

Tasmanians, I know that you will love Greek Life as much as your counterparts do in this beautiful country we call home. Be inspired by what my readers are sharing with me. Join the celebration that is Greek Life.

Now in limited supply, this hardcover book is a beautiful gift for the special people in your life.

You won’t want to miss out, so now’s the time to visit the Hill Street Grocer in Hobart, to get your copies. Local is the new black!

Eugenia xx

Canberra launch of Greek Life

Canberra launch of Greek Life!

As some of you may remember, Greek Life was to be a private book written especially for my family and extended family. Then everything changed when I had the courage to say out loud that I had written a book. It was no longer locked away in the corners of my mind, or in a document on my laptop.

Eugenia Pantahos is bringing her book Greek Life to Canberra. Join her as she shares her story. Signed copies of this limited edition book available on the night. Don't miss out!!!

Bringing Greek Life to the lovely city of Canberra!

When I first embarked on the journey of bringing Greek Life to the public, I could only imagine some of the possibilities that lay ahead. I knew intimately that relationships are everything not just in our personal lives, but also in our professional lives. I’ve had so many wonderful people, too numerous to mention here, but nonetheless, these amazing individuals expanded my circle, introduced me to others who could open doors, and before I knew it, the community took notice, and I was book signing, being invited to give speeches, having a few gigs at being an MC, plus so much more.

In May this year, I shared my story with the lovely people in Sydney at a Taste of Greece Lunch. It was a wonderful experience and I got to meet some amazing people, who came along to listen about how Greek Life came to be. We have all become friends, and share and like each others posts on social media. Together we are celebrating the new friendships and in this modern age, it means we can connect, and stay in touch, even from afar.

Greek Life in Canberra with Eugenia Pantahos

Canberra, I’m bringing Greek Life to you x

This month, I’m bringing the story of my book, and sharing the journey with the lovely folk in Canberra. This event has been arranged with the Hellenic Club of Canberra, through a mutual contact from Sydney. I’m truly thrilled to be coming along to Canberra, and can’t wait to meet you all there!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your copies of the timeless book Greek Life, available exclusively in Canberra for this event. I’ll be signing books on the night too!

Please like and share this post. There is now limited stock of Greek Life, and I know you won’t want to miss out!

Eugenia xx