Greek name and pronunciation: Garifalo, γαρίφαλο, pronounced ghah-REE-fah-lo At the market: Whole cloves are usually packaged is small resealable containers. Clove essential oil is usually available at health food stores. Physical characteristics: Cloves are the dried unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia and Madagascar. A dried clove (bud) is 1/2 to […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Kanela, κανέλα, pronounced kah-NEL-ah At the market: Cinnamon is available in powdered and stick (quill) form (sticks are usually 2- to 6-inch long sections of dried bark). The essential oil of cinnamon is sometimes available. Physical characteristics: Ground cinnamon has a tan color. Quills, made from dried cork-like outer tree bark, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Karthamo, κάρδαμο, pronounced KAR-thah-mo (hard th) At the market: Dried cardamom seeds, unshelled and shelled are usually available in small containers, as is powdered (ground) cardamom. Sometimes, pods (containing 15 to 20 seeds) are available. Powdered cardamom should be a last choice because once the container is opened, it quickly loses […]

Allspice – Bahari Anise – Glikanisos Cardamom – Kardamo Cinnamon – Kanela Cloves – Garifalo Coriander – Coliandros Cumin – Kymino Curry – Kari Ginger – Piperoriza Hot Peppers – Kafteres piperies Mahlab – Mahlepi Mastic – Mastiha Mustard Powder – Moustarda skoni Pepper – Piperi Saffron – Safora or Safrani Sumac – Soumaki Vanilla – Vanilia    

Greek name and pronunciation: Glykaniso, γλυκάνισο, pronounced glee-KAH-nee-so At the market: Dried and ground anise seed are usually available in small disposable bags or in sprinkle-pour bottles. Physical characteristics: Originally from Asia and North Africa, the anise plant grows to between 19.5 and 31.5 inches tall, with leaves that originate at the base of the […]

Spitikos Domatopoltos In Greek: σπιτικός ντοματοπολτός, say: spee-tee-KOHS doh-mah-toh-pol-TOHS This recipe for homemade tomato paste has few ingredients, is very easy, but will take quite a while. The results are certainly worth the time! Make sure the tomatoes are overripe (just before they really have to be thrown out) to get the best outcome. Ingredients: […]

Domates Liastes In Greek: λιαστές ντομάτες, say: lee-ah-STES doh-MAH-tes Sun-dried tomatoes can be pretty pricey at the market, but they’re easy to make at home. The way they are made in many traditional Greek homes takes some time, but the result is fabulous. Don’t use big meaty tomatoes for this process – instead, look for […]

In Greek: πετιμέζι, pronounced peh-tee-MEH-zee This is a specialty on the Greek island of Crete and one of the oldest (most ancient) recipes I know. Try this naturally sweet (no sugar added) syrup on yogurt, ice cream, in tea, on pancakes, in baking, and as a topping for snow!. A teaspoon also work wonders for […]

In Greek: μουσταλευριά, pronounced moo-stah-lev-ree-AH Grape must is the juice from pressed grapes before fermentation, and is often used as a sweetener in traditional bread recipes, as well as in the preparation of desserts and candy. This grape must pie is a favorite, especially popular at grape harvest season when the must is fresh. You […]

In Greek: μούστος, pronounced MOO-stohs Moustos is made using the juice squeezed from fresh grapes. In Greece, we make large quantities during the September grape harvest, and it’s a great project for kids. It freezes well, and can be used throughout the year. Moustos is used to make petimezi, a grape syrup known since ancient times that is […]