This syrup drenched sweet semolina cake is traditionally topped with a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. Being chocoholics, our family is partial to this ganache topped version. Add some candied orange slices and specs of gold leaf to jazz things up, making this simple…
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Continue ReadingWith the blog turning four this month, I’ve been wanting to celebrate with a cake or pie recipe. Having previously shared my mother-in-law’s chocolate mousse cake, I figured I would refer back to one of my childhood favorites — mom’s strawberry or banana cream pie. Being the entertaining aficionado that…
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Continue ReadingThe best celebrations are those commemorated with food — barbecue on the 4th of July, turkey at Thanksgiving, lamb for Easter. It wasn’t until marrying into a Greek family that I discovered the fun of cake on new year’s. The festive part of Greece’s Vasilopita, named after “Agios Vasilis” or…
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Continue ReadingBougatsa or sweet semolina pie is one of my favorite specialties found at Greek bakeries. With its warm vanilla flavored semolina custard filling, flaky buttery crust, and sprinkles of confectioners sugar and cinnamon, it’s comforting yet delicate and makes for a great dish to enjoy with family and friends over…
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Continue ReadingWith the exception of fresh slices soaked in Grand Marnier, that my mother would serve at dinner parties and I would covet as leftovers, orange flavored desserts were never my favorite. Greek orange cake, featured in cookbooks and displayed on bakery shelves, never captured my fancy… until this summer. While…
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Continue ReadingOf the many food memories from my childhood summers, few are as pronounced as French fruit tarts. Layered on a thin butter crust, apples, apricots, pears, or cherries, are baked and glazed into a beautifully delicate slice of summer sweetness. The glossy apricot tarts displayed in the window of the…
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Continue ReadingThis Greek jam tart is as tasty as it is beautiful. It resembles German Linzer Tortes and is a perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea or coffee. Apricot, peach, and red berry are all popular fillings but there are no hard rules as to what does or doesn’t work. Pecan pie filling comes…
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Continue ReadingDonuts, churros, beignets, every culture has some version of fried dough and Greeks are no exception. True to most mediterranean fare, even these decadently loukoumades are somewhat nutritious with the addition of copious amounts of honey and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. The first time I tried these crispy donut…
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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…