New and Missed Things
I wanted to share with you some of the things I really missed in Greece and some of the wonderful new things I am so glad to have now!
I really missed:
Freezer bags, as crazy as it sounds the quality of bags available were in no way comparable to freezer bags here!
Vinegars. I like to use a variety of vinegar for cooking and cleaning, but the options were quite limited in Greece, at least on the island!
Christos Anesti
Χριστός Ανέστη! Christos Anesti… Christ is Risen!
Αληθώς Ανέστη! Alithos Anesti … Truly he is!
It is still amazing to me that I am now blogging from Florida. This Easter came and went so quickly for us that I feel like we barely got to enjoy it. Let’s just say that there is a big difference in working 20 hours as opposed to 40, like in good ‘ole America! And it is funny to think that there are several things I actually miss in Greece, and that says a lot compared to when I first moved there. The grass just always seems greener I guess.
90 days to a New Me!
I went “running” today, if you could call it that; it was actually more of me wheezing and breaking into a walk every 2 minutes. It didn’t use to be that way either. I remember the days when I could lace up and easily go run for an hour or on a good day and hour and a half. When I finished, I simply floated over the next few hours from my runner’s high!
Watermelon and Feta
When I think about America’s Independence Day, I think about fireworks and watermelon. There really is something special about playing in the sun all day with family and friends and then enjoying some cold, juicy watermelon as the sun sets and the first fireworks begin to sparkle!
Fasolada Soupa
Greek bean soup is almost like a national dish in Greece, although it doesn’t seem to be so popular on this side of the world. Rather, I have seen the infamous Avgolemono soup everywhere including restaurants and even canned on supermarket shelves! I think the reason behind this is because it is one of the humble foods found on every Greek table at least once a month, sometimes once a week. Especially now during times of crisis, there might be some people living off this stuff!
Posted in Beans and Legumes, Soups, Traditionally Greek | Tags: Beans, Gluten Free, Soup, Vegetarian | 
4 Comments »
Weeknight Taco Soup
This is an oldie but a goodie of a recipe if you have never tried it before. At one time I thought it was a Weight Watchers recipe, but I did a comparision and either the person who told me is wrong or I (more likely) have adapted it to suit my taste and just can’t remember the difference 
Lamb Youvetsi
There are certain Greek meals that have a reputation for bringing back memories, youvetsi is one of them. And although I was not raised Greek, this is one of those meals that takes my husband back to his childhood just by smelling it. Especially when made in the crock pot, the aromas of lamb, tomato, and cinnamon fill the house with a comforting warmth that brings a permanent smile to his face.
The first picture is from a time I made youvetsi in Greece using a dutch oven, it turned out good, but this time using a slow cooker it was incredible.
Posted in Meat Dishes, Slow Cooker, Traditionally Greek | Tags: Authentic, Meats, Traditional | 2 Comments »
Nana’s Belgian Waffles
I can remember eating these waffles from one of my earliest memories! They are definitely a family tradition. We make them every Christmas and usually we can find half a dozen other holidays to celebrate with them too!
The recipe is simple and all you need is a deep waffle maker and a few ingredients you most likely already have; that is unless you are going to tell people you are making them because you will most definitely have drop-ins. Unfortunately, these pictures do not do them justice. The waffles themselves are simple and delicious, they can be eaten with a little drizzle of honey or syrup. But most of the time when you go through the effort of making them, it is nice to have a waffle bar of toppings: strawberries, blueberries, bananas, nuts, whipped cream, chocolate chips, ect. My family sticks with good ole peanut butter and hot syrup!!!
How to…
I want to and am going to start a series of posts on “How to…”, but I want to know what do you want to know how to do?
Let me do the research and collect the best of the best methods and tricks of the trade; let me take the pictures and explain the process. All you have to do is answer, what do you what to know how to do (in the kitchen)?
Benefits of Greek Yogurt
I am sure everyone has heard of Greek yogurt, it is everywhere here. But do you know what makes it “Greek” and do you understand the nutritional benefits over just regular yogurt?
First, Greek yogurt is still simply yogurt! The key factor in making it qualify as Greek is that it is a strained yogurt. It іѕ produced wіthоut adding аnу stabilizers оr gelatin tо the finished product. Since it iѕ а dairy product produced bу the bacterial fermentation of milk, it саn be produced іn small quantities by аnуonе аt home. You juѕt nееd sоmе milk, time and patience аnd thе bacteria wіll do іtѕ job. The end result is a more dense, creamier, and rich tasting yogurt. Of course it is still offered in full, low-fat, and non-fat options.
Posted in Traditionally Greek, Unique and Special | Tags: Cinnamon, Dips, Vegetarian, Yogurt | 2 Comments »
Cooking Greek Food in America…
I have always loved cooking. I wish I could say that I used to spend hours in the kitchen learning from my mom, but that was never her thing. Actually, she seems to be cooking more now than ever before, but growing up I was more familiar with the Schwan’s man It has never made me love or appreciate my mom any less, she is talented in so many other ways and I continue to learn from her to this day.
Epiphany 2012 in Tarpon Springs
Observed on January 6th, the Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The name “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word Epiphania, and means “to show, make known, or reveal.” The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added – the visit of the three Magi, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurrences.
Happy New Year 2012
Sorry I am a little late in wishing you all a Happy New Year, but my only excuse is that we have been on vacation! Well, at least it feels like that. We are very much enjoying the Christmas holiday in St. Pete beach, Florida, and it still seems a little too good to be true. First of all, the weather has remained in the low to mid 70′s which provides us the perfect opportunity to walk the beach everyday, play tennis, ride a bike, and explore. We fully believe that THIS truly was God’s timing in sending us because the transition has been so natural. We have gotten to spend time with some family and also reunite with old friends, just the way the holidays should be!
Feta Stuffed Green Peppers
Finally we are safe and sound in Florida. Our 2 day trip turned into a 3 day journey, but thankfully everyone along the way was really helpful and friendly. The first leg from Thessaloniki to Istanbul was delayed 4 1/2 hours, so by the time we landed (in the rain), got our luggage and dog, found our taxi, and got checked into the hotel it wasn’t worth going downtown. We were completely wiped out from the delays and stress of taking our dog along with us, but we were really happy that our hotel was so nice. We wanted to stay somewhere between the airport and downtown, so we chose Novotel (Istanbul). We also hired a taxi service to pick us up and drop us off – we had 3 suitcases, 1 dog, 1 kennel, and 3 carry on bags. Backpackers Travel (Istanbul) was awesome!!! For about the same price as grabbing a taxi outside, they sent a van and driver to the airport and the hotel the next morning. Besides the rain and ridiculous traffic the night we landed, their service was exceptional and I would recommend using anytime in Istanbul! Like I said before, our hotel was 4 star, and maybe we are just used to the budget friendly 2 star hotels but this one was pure luxury. We were treated like VIPs the whole time and the staff and accommodation was really great! We ended up just ordering room service and relaxing in the room. As much as we would have loved to see the city, we are glad we rested and plan to go back someday! PS. If you ever go to Istanbul, please know that Americans are subjected to a $20 visa – this is good to know before you stand in the customs check line like I did!
Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki…
Well, we officially leave Greece tomorrow. We are moving with our entire lives in 3 suitcases (and our dog)! We will be starting over from ground zero, but V will have a teaching job and I trust God to provide me with something as well.
Now, I have moved around my whole life; probably this is what made moving across the world alone so easy for me. But Vasilis has only known Greece. He has travelled and I would say he is open-minded and not set in his ways, but I think this transition will be more difficult for him than me moving to Greece was, only time will tell.
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