Pumpkin is an obvious favorite fall ingredient, along with sweet potatoes and squash – these three are perfect to toss in a variety of delicious soups, stews, and salads! Greens are coming in droves, and you can use them in salads, of course, but don’t forget to add a handful into your soup (like my … Read more
Greece and Cyprus may be separated by a large swath of sea, but the two countries share a number of strong similarities in their culture – and most notably, in their gastronomy and winemaking history! But because of the large distance between them, there are also plenty of notable differences. For example, did you know … Read more
Chocolate comes from cacao tree fruits, and these trees are native to Central and South America. In fact, historians have been able to find traces of theobromine, the stimulant in chocolate, in ancient Olmec pots from 1500 BC. The Olmecs then brought cacao to the Central American Mayans, who revered chocolate – it was used … Read more
1. Classic Grilled Octopus It would be hard to imagine the Greek meze table without a few slightly charred, smoky, and delicious grilled octopus tentacles – so it’s no wonder it has landed at the number 1 spot for the recipes you searched this summer! This classic Greek recipe is perfect if you’re looking for … Read more
The arrival of peppers into the Mediterranean can be traced all the way back to Christopher Columbus’ return from the New World back in 1493. He brought a variety of chile pepper from modern-day Mexico that was cultivated by the Aztecs, and they were considered an easy, cheap alternative to black pepper, and from there, … Read more
Did you know that corn recipes have been part of the Greek table for several hundred years? Admittedly, this is nothing compared to the vegetable’s long history in the US, but it is not possible considering the role of these recipes play in the Greek diet as a whole! It was probably introduced and disseminated … Read more
When the summer heat hits, it’s almost impossible to make yourself labor in front of a hot stove or oven, no matter how hungry you are. I get it! It’s when salads full of the delicious bounty of summer come center-stage in my kitchen. And luckily, the Mediterranean diet is packed with foods and recipes … Read more
I love sharing the food and cooking philosophy of my island, Ikaria. You might even say I’m a little obsessed with the Ikaria diet! Ikaria, an island in the eastern Aegean, has gained global recognition as a Blue Zone and the place, dubbed about a decade ago by the New York Times, where inhabitants regularly … Read more
What do you do when you have cucumbers coming out of your ears?? This is exactly what is going on in my Ikarian garden right now. Luckily, the Mediterranean diet and Greek diet both feature cucumbers in all kinds of recipes – salads, dips, even main courses that will certainly fill you up. And, with … Read more
When you imagine a Greek island getaway, what usually comes to mind? Beaches with crystal-clear water, white rocks and sand, those iconic blue domed roofs on cliffsides that descend abruptly into the sea? If so, you’re not alone, and you’re most likely picturing Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous (and breathtakingly beautiful) islands. But besides … Read more