Biscuits are the mascot of Southern cuisine and one of my cherished childhood memories. Every Sunday, my father would rise before the rest of us, and prepare a fresh batch. Staying true to my mother’s Appalachian upbringing, he always used buttermilk and shortening. After spending 15 years in the Northeast, I…
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Continue ReadingGreek honey cookies or “melomakarona” are a staple in Greek homes during the holidays. The flavors of cinnamon, clove, orange, nuts, and honey suit the season perfectly. They’re wonderful in the morning or afternoon with a cup of coffee and can keep for weeks stored in a cookie tin or…
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Continue ReadingBlueberry season is here and in our house that means Blueberry Zucchini Bread! A friend shared this recipe several years ago and I felt compelled to write about it as no one I speak with seems to have heard of combining blueberries and zucchini in a quick bread. Sure, many have…
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Continue ReadingIt wouldn’t be a Greek Christmas without kourabiedes, a type of Greek almond shortbread cookies. A few weeks back, one of my good friends asked if I could share our family’s recipe. She wanted to make a batch for her husband who is of Greek decent and fondly recalls his grandmother’s…
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Continue ReadingBaklava is traditionally made with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. The recipe is the exact same, whichever nut you choose. I love to use pecans, which are local to North Carolina, and work beautifully in this recipe. Think Greek style pecan pie! Our family recipe uses extra virgin olive oil instead…
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Continue ReadingGreek feta cheese pie, otherwise known as “tiropita” in Greek, is delicious and relatively easy to make. The savory and tangy filled baked phyllo makes these hand held baked goods perfect as an appetizer or for a quick snack. Serve your Greek cheese pie hot out of the oven, at…
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Continue ReadingSimilar to pastry dough, store bought bread contains far more ingredients than those required to bake bread at home. In addition to all sorts of preservatives to extend shelf life, most store bought bread contains too much salt or sugar. This can be particularly problematic for people following a low sodium…
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Continue ReadingThese Greek cinnamon cookies known as “koulourakia” are a staple in our family. They are crunchy with a light cinnamon flavor, making them the perfect accompaniment to your morning or afternoon coffee. I also love that I can involve my kids in the baking of these homemade Greek cinnamon cookies.…
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Continue ReadingSpanakopita is one of the most popular Greek foods. The flaky phyllo dough combined with the savory spinach and feta filling – what’s not the love?! There are many good spanakopita brands available at grocery stores but in my book, nothing beats the homemade kind. If you make them at…
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Continue ReadingHomemade pastry dough is quick and easy to make and is prepared with extra virgin olive oil, making it suitable for those following a dairy free or vegan diet. We use it most often for savory dishes and it can also be used for sweet baked goods. If baking something…