Tag Archives: Mediterranean

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 forget to die! Here’s a link to an article that pretty well sums it up!

These 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

Taste of Greece Dinner

TASTE OF GREECE DINNER

I’ve had an overwhelming response to my Taste of Greece Dinner….and that means we are ‘sold out’!

Thanks to all those who have booked and secured their places at the table. I very much look forward to catching up over a glass of wine, some amazing food and lots of stories. Thanks for connecting 🙂

GLx

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

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