A “kouloura” (koo-LOU-rah) in Greek is a round twist. The name for these traditional butter cookies comes from their round twisted shape but you will also see Koulourakia as small braids or in the shape of the letter “S.” Koulourakia are delicious dunked in coffee or milk and are the traditional Easter cookie. Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook […]

The Greek island of Aegina is famous for its pistachio nuts and this cake is a fabulous combination of pistachio nuts and honey, perfect with coffee, tea, or milk.Use a standard loaf pan to make this cake, and set aside some shelled pistachios to garnish the top. The taste of thyme honey is ideal for this […]

In Greek: μυζηθρόπιτα, pronounced mee-zee-THROH-pee-tah Myzithra, like many Greek cheeses, comes in two varieties: fresh and soft, and aged and sharp. This recipe calls for unsalted fresh myzithra. If you can’t find this fabulous cheese, try the recipe with another dense, slightly moist, unsalted white cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone. Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Ingredients: […]

These tender and delicious stuffed grape leaf rolls known as dolmathes (dol- MAH-thes) are stuffed with a hearty meat and rice filling and are commonly served as a main entree. The smaller, rice and pine nut filled dolmathakia (dol-mah-THAH-kya) are usually served as an appetizer or meze. Yield: About 40 Rolls Ingredients: 50 fresh grape leaves or 1 jar (16 […]

n Greek: ντολμαδάκια γιαλαντζί, pronounce dohl-mah-THAHK-yah yah-lahnd-ZEE Throughout the Middle East and southern Europe, this dish is a favorite. Here in vineyard country, these are often made with the very youngest and tenderest (and smallest) freshly picked leaves – which you can do as well if you have access to vines. This is the same […]

n Greek: ντολμαδάκια με κιμά, pronounced dohl-mah-THAHK-yah meh kee-MAH These small bundles of meat and rice wrapped in grape leaves are a favorite dish in Greece. The name comes from the Turkish word “dolma” meaning “stuffed.” They are time- and labor-intensive to make, so the recipe is for a pretty large quantity. They can be […]

In Greek: ντολμαδάκια με κιμά, pronounced dohl-mah-THAHK-yah meh kee-MAH The combination of ground beef and pork is a Greek favorite, and this recipe is one of the easier and quicker variations to make. Stuffing and rolling the leaves takes time, but the recipe is made in large quantities and can be refrigerated for several days […]

Dolmathakia are stuffed grape leaves, and this version uses goat cheese and couscous to create an elegant taste, perfect for special occasions. Unlike other recipes for stuffed grape leaves, this one calls for sautéing or grilling. Cook Time: 4 minutes Total Time: 4 minutes Ingredients: 1/2 jar of grape leaves (30-35 leaves) 1/4 cup of couscous 1 teaspoon of ground […]

In Greek: ντολμάδες στο φούρνο, say: dohl-MAH-thes stoh FOOR-no Most recipes for stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes ordolmades) call for steaming, but this recipe from Northern Greece (also popular in Cyprus) calls for baking. Like all stuffed grape leaves, these make wonderful appetizers, but also work as a main dish or side. The recipe makes 36 pieces. […]

If you have access to grapevines – in a vineyard, on a grape arbor, or growing wild – you have a treasure trove of taste at hand! Grape leaves have been used in Greek cooking since ancient times, and abelofylla yemista (dolmades, stuffed grape leaves) are classics in Greek homes and restaurants around the world. Grape leaves can be used […]