Greek name and pronunciation: Thymari, θυμάρι, pronounced thee-MAH-ree (soft th sound) At the market: Thyme is available both fresh and dried, and fresh thyme is much preferred in cooking. Dried thyme leaves are sold in disposable containers, and fresh thyme is sold in bundles. Thyme is also a good choice for a kitchen herb garden. […]

There is an old Greek saying that “ouzo makes the spirit” and this is especially true in Greece. The Greek spirit or kefi (KEH-fee) is found in hearty food, soulful music, and the love of lively conversation. A glass of chilled ouzo is the perfect companion to all of these things. Most people would agree that ouzo […]

Loukoumades (fried doughballs in syrup), Loukoumia, Ravani, Touloumbes and Baklavas are some well-loved desserts. There are also Pastish, cookies made of ground almonds, that are offered to guests at weddings. Flaounes are savory Easter pies that contain goats cheese (or a variety of cheeses), eggs, spices and herbs all wrapped in a yeast pastry, then brushed with egg […]

In Greek: παγωτό για παιδιά, pronounced pahg-hoh-TOH yah pehth-YAH No cooking… just great fun for the kids. Divide the mix (before adding the goodies) into 2 or more bowls and let the kids get creative! And while the kids are making their own ice cream with 6 egg whites, use the yolks from those 6 […]

In Greek: παγωτό κρέμα, pronounced pah-ghoh-TOH KREH-mah This basic recipe for vanilla ice cream is delicious as is, or with additions of chocolate chips, pieces of cookies, or other additions of your choice. Also, try topping with homemade chocolate sauce orstrawberry dessert sauce. Ingredients: 2 cups of full fat milk 6 egg yolks 1 cup of granulated […]

In Greek: παξιμαδάκια, pronounced pahk-see-mah-THAHK-yah You don’t have to dunk these fabulous twice-baked cookies in coffee, tea, or milk, but they’re perfect for it. The recipe is for a large quantity, and they keep well, but to make fewer, just divide the recipe. Because they contain no butter or eggs, they can be stored in […]

In Greek: κουλουράκια πορτοκαλιού, pronounced koo-loo-RAHK-yah por-toh-kahl-YOO The translation of the Greek name for these cookies is “orange cookie twists,” probably because the name with all ingredients would be too long! These cookies are made with the juice of oranges and lemons, and the zest of a clementine or tangerine, making them truly a citrus […]

In Greek: κουλουράκια Χριστουγέννων, pronounced koo-loo-RAHK-yahkhree-stoo-YEH-non These wreath-shaped yeast sesame cookie rings are made once a year in certain areas of the Greek island of Crete: at Christmas. The cookies are made with the traditional Christmas tastes of cinnamon, cloves, and orange, and they contain no dairy products or eggs. Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: […]

This recipe for Lenten Koulourakia (koo-loo-RAH-kyah) was given to me by Maria Athanasiou, a dear friend and adopted Aunt of my family. Her recipe uses vegetable oil and wine to flavor the twists, and produces a crisp and delicious cookie that is perfect for dunking in coffee. Maria recommends baking at 400 degrees but I […]