Roka (arugula) is one of the most underestimated leafy greens, despite packing lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s numerous health benefits are well known. Arugula is native to the Mediterranean and is definitely a green that should be added to more plates worldwide. The Greeks eat plenty of arugula as a “Roka Salata” and … Continue reading Roka (Arugula Salad)
Say maroulosalata out loud ten times fast and you’re sure to chuckle to yourself into a wide smile as you stumble on the word begging to come out of your mouth. If you can’t get past the pronunciation, dig into the salad itself and let your taste buds do the talking. Maroulosalata is comprised of … Continue reading Maroulosalata (romaine lettuce salad)
The first Greek Orthodox Monastery I ever visited was the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, above Megara, Greece. I was traveling through Greece with my family in the summer of 2003, just a 12-year-old with her mind preoccupied with thoughts of home and concerned about what I would wear for my first day of junior … Continue reading Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Megara
Seafood is an important part of the Mediterranean diet, and luckily for Greece the seafood is plentiful. With so many islands and close mainland coastal waters, seafood is easily accessible for Greeks to either bake, fry, grill, or boil. The varieties of fish in any fish market is incredible. Everyone has a preference, and those … Continue reading Psari Plaki (Baked Fish)
“EIPHNH” Peace. “OXI PIA POLEMOI” No more war. These words, cast in huge white letters on a quiet hillside in the Northern Peloponnese region of Greece serve as a message of peace and a symbol of the martyrdom that took place there. At the top of the hill is a large cross overlooking the city below, and a date—13-12-43. On December 13, … Continue reading Agia Lavra and Mega Spileo Monastery
Aside from public speaking and swimming in the ocean, there aren’t many things that intimidate me. I will talk to any stranger that will listen to me on a subway in New York City. I will kill a spider for my arachnophobic big brother. I will fall, scrape my knees, and get back up just … Continue reading Pastitsio
Every March 25th my friends and I celebrate Greek Independence Day with a festive get together. We eat a delicious Greek meal that includes all of the favorites from salads to dessert and everything in between. And, when we can find good salt cod, we make bakaliaros skordalia (fried cod and garlic sauce), which is … Continue reading Festive Blue & White Cookies
Twirling long strands of spaghetti around a fork is one of my guilty pleasures. Every time I eat a plate of spaghetti I get some sweet satisfaction. It’s an added bonus when the spaghetti has been prepared with a creamy garlic butter sauce and is covered with two of my favorite types of cheese, mizithra … Continue reading Greek Spaghetti
The first time I prepared a dish for a large crowd was for an event called “Taste of Greece,” a fun, food fundraiser for our Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nearly 500 attendees come to sample common Greek fare all made by home cooks. They often find food items not typically found … Continue reading Pastourma Rollups
Travelers arriving to the port of Zakynthos by ferry can’t miss the Church of Saint Dionysios, the largest church on the island, which dominates the view from the seaport. A fairly modern church, it was built in 1948. The only distinguishing thing about its exterior is its marvelous bell tower, otherwise it’s not a notable … Continue reading St. Dionysios Church, Zakynthos
