A picture is worth a thousand words so this week we’re bringing you our traditional foods prepared in our kitchens, along with spiritual highlights from Holy week—Palm Sunday through Pascha Sunday—in a slideshow banquet. Come and feast your eyes!

The recipes for all of these foods will be in our cookbook series, KUKLA’S KOUZINA: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style. Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and cookbook news. Check us out on Pinterest for more photos of our foods!

To our Greek followers, family, and friends observing Pascha (Easter), we wish you Kali Anastasi, Καλή Ανάσταση (Good Resurrection)! For those celebrating Passover this week, may your holiday be a joyous one!​

Thanks for joining us for our Holiday photo journal! We'll see you next week on Bright Monday!

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly

Kukla's Kouzina blogs on the Greek foods and faithful customs of Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha:
Greek Cheesefare Week
Fasting & Feasting…Greek Foods for Body & Soul
Lenten Cuisine~A Faith-Inspired Journey
Lenten Kouzina Made Easy
Greek Foods of Lent

Source
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Copyright © Church photos courtesy of Church of Our Saviour, Rye, NY

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Lenten Customs & Foods
As we enter into Greek [Christian] Orthodox Holy Week following the 40 days of fasting and prayer known as Great Lent, we become mindful of the passion of Christ during this very special and meaningful time of year. 

Throughout this period of reflection, the discipline of abstaining from meat, fish, and dairy products strengthens the spirit and allows the heart and mind to focus on non-material things: the temptations of power, pride, and possessions. This process allows the faithful to travel the road Christ followed for 40 days and nights before being tempted by Satan. 

Palm Sunday, symbolized by blessed palm crosses (left), welcomes Christ into Jerusalem and into our hearts. This day we share a meal of vegetables, legumes, beets, fish, and Skordalia (skor-da-liÁH, garlic sauce/dip) before entering a week of strict fasting.

But fasting isn’t the most important observance during this time. To quote a good friend and our priest, Rev. Father Elias Villis (Church of Our Saviour, Rye, NY), “It’s not necessarily what goes 
into the mouth but rather what comes out of the mouth that is most important.” What good is it to fast and then gossip or be unkind?! Quoting another good friend and Pastoral Minister at our church, George Hazlaris, “Once we have changed our diet, we have to be careful to not be overfilling our stomachs.”  Easier said than done…sometimes eating a meat-, fish-, and dairy-free diet can be challenging but for our cookbook we came up with many creative ways to make Lenten (Vegan) dishes by adapting some of Kukla’s traditional ones.

Necessity is truly the mother of invention. When faced with 40-plus days of fasting, it takes a creative mind to come up with a number of meal options to maintain good health and nutrition. Brown rice and vegetables are good substitutes for meat in many of our fillings, like those in stuffed tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Tired of rice? Try using grains like quinoa, barley, or bulgur…all work very well with the added bonus of superfood nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and iron. Our creative zeal actually filled a chapter in our cookbook, providing recipes for vegans as well as those who are fasting.

LAGANA
Wheat flour is a grain featured in Lagana, a Greek flat bread traditionally served on Clean Monday (the first day of Lent), that many now use to complement soups and stews throughout Lent and Holy Week.
 
2 to 2½ cups bread flour, divided, plus more for work surface
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 cup warm water, divided
1 packet active dry yeast (¼ ounce)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for coating
½ teaspoon salt
Sesame seeds, for topping
 
1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups bread flour and the wheat flour. Make a well in the center and add ¼ cup warm water and the yeast, stirring together the yeast and water just until the yeast is dissolved (do not stir in the flour). Let stand 5 minutes.
 
2. Add the remaining ¾ cup water, the olive oil, and salt to the bowl and mix until combined well. Using hands, form into a dough (if too wet, add additional flour, as needed). On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and kneed 10 to 15 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.
 
3. Coat a large bowl with olive oil and transfer the dough to the bowl, turning once to coat top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
 
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil. Kneed the dough for a couple of minutes, until deflated and smooth, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch out the dough into an oval, about 12 by 8 inches, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Cover again and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
 
5. During the last 10 minutes of rising, arrange rack in center of the oven and heat to 375°F. Press fingertips into the dough to create dimples throughout. Lightly brush the dough with water or olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
 
6. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool at least 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.
​​
​Recipe © copyright 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style, kuklaskouzina.com 

Holy Week Highlights
Holy Thursday evening presents the reading of the 12 gospels that recant the Passion of Christ. 

On Good Friday evening the candle-bearing faithful exit the church during the Lamentation service and join the procession following the priest and the flower-laden kouvouklion (casket) of Christ—a magnificent sight that draws the attention of everyone within viewing distance. 

Holy Week comes to a climax Holy Saturday evening just before midnight when the priest and congregation gather outside the church (weather permitting). At midnight the church bells ring in celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and “Xristos Anesti!” (Christ is risen!) is proclaimed by the priest, then a resounding “Alithos Anesti!” (Truly He is risen!) is the enthusiastic response from the congregation. This joyous exchange is ensued by the singing of the hymns of Odes and Praises of the Resurrection before reentering the church. After services, traditional Magiritsa (lamb’s-head soup), Avgolemono (egg-lemon soup), feta cheese, olives, and Tsoureki (Greek Easter bread) with red-dyed eggs (representing the blood of Christ and the Resurrection or rebirth), are served in the church’s hall. Some churches serve a full Pascha [Easter] meal!  

Pascha Celebration
Following the fasting comes the rejoicing and feasting on Pascha Sunday.

In lieu of a liturgy, we have a late morning Agape (Love) church service (during which the Gospel according to John is read in various languages)…that feeds the spirit!

At home, the scent of oregano-lemon roasted lamb and potatoes fills the air…and feeds the anxious belly, along with Tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip), Spanakopita (spinach pie), and Galaktomboureko (citrus-custard pita with syrup). A suitable celebration and a meal worth the wait!

Next week we’ll bring you photos of Holy Week church services and the foods from our upcoming Pascha banquet. Check us out on Pinterest for more photos of our foods!

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news​.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly

Kukla's Kouzina blogs on the Greek foods and faithful customs of Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha:
Greek Cheesefare Week
Lenten Cuisine~A Faith-Inspired Journey
Lenten Kouzina Made Easy
Greek Foods of Lent

Source
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Copyright © Palm Sunday photo courtesy of Church of Our Saviour, Rye, NY

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!     

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Fasting periods such as Lent can be a challenge as you repeatedly ask yourself the burning questions, “What can I eat today?” or “Peanut butter? AGAIN???” I can’t tell you how many Greeks are now, at this moment, trying to scrape it off the roof of their mouths, and will swear off of nut butters for months after Easter. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Not that there’s anything wrong with peanut butter, but too much of any good thing can be, well, too much. Vegetarians and vegans have figured out how to create diverse meatless menus and so will you with just a few simple tips on how to convert a standard dish into a delicious Lenten-appropriate meal.

Fasting means no meat or meat products, as well as avoiding some seafood. Rule of thumb, if it comes from an animal containing blood, it’s out. So the foods that need to be replaced are all meats, dairy (such as milk, cheese, and butter), and fish—shellfish, calamari, and octopus are the exceptions since they contain no blood. 
[Note: In case you’re wondering why expensive shellfish is allowed and not less expensive fish, once upon a time, bottom-feeding shellfish was unwanted because it was considered unclean, and it was therefore cheap. The need for protein in the Lenten diet led to eventually incorporating shellfish, and to the discovery of how good it is. That discovery jacked up the price.]

So often, people try to fill a hunger pang with bread and pasta, then end up gaining weight and not feeling so good. 

When you shift your focus to healthy fasting it becomes a life-renewing experience, and isn’t that what Lent should be about?

BUTTER
✚ We use olive oil most of the time, fasting or not. It’s great in baked potatoes, fries up yummy eggs, and it’s delish for dipping bread. It not only tastes good but it’s healthier than butter.

✚ For baking, you’ll want to use a lighter oil like canola or a non-dairy spread like Smart Balance Organic—it’s 100% vegan, non-GMO, with no hydrogenated anything. I mention this brand because, after scouring a number of supermarket dairy aisles, we found very few butter alternatives out there that are actually healthy.

✚ In times of strict fasting, canola oil can be used instead of olive oil. It’s healthier than other vegetable oils and it’s our swap-out choice for butter in Halva.

MILK
✚ For taking it straight, the choices are vast—almond milk (my fav), coconut milk, rice milk, soy milk, plain, vanilla, chocolate—so go with what tastes good to you.

✚ For baking, cup-for cup, almond milk is great (did I mention it’s my favorite?). Coconut milk is okay if you want a tropical flavor. Soy milk tends to be a bit tart and bland so use soy if you prefer no added flavor at all. Rice milk, though neutral in flavor, tends to be watery so it might make your batter too loose.

✚ For sauces, custard tarts, or puddings, it gets a bit tricky. Think about the flavor that would go best with what you’re making. If you don’t want an added flavor, use rice milk. Keep in mind that you’ll probably need to go up on your thickener since cow’s milk is more binding than these milks. Start with a little thickener and increase as needed.

✚ For anything else, again, think about the flavor of the dish, then choose your milk.

CHEESE
✚ It’s hard to replace something as gooey and rich as cheese, and the fake stuff tastes, well, fake. If you’re making an omelet or pie, add chopped olives, or sliced mushrooms or diced tofu sautéed in olive oil, to fill it with flavor and texture.

EGGS
✚ For breakfast, make oatmeal or have cereal…unless you like egg substitutes.

✚ For baking quiche or custard-like dishes, for each egg, substitute ¼ cup pureed soft tofu.

✚ For desserts like cakes, for each egg, substitute ¼ cup applesauce or ¼ cup mashed banana. 

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly

For more egg substitution ideas, check out peta.org.

For vegan baking tips go to veganbaking.net.

For standard Greek Lenten recipes, take a look at thespruce.com.

I hope you enjoyed Lenten Kouzina Made Easy. Lenten and vegetarian recipes, as well as more how-to tips, will be featured in our upcoming cookbook. Stay tuned for more uniquely Greek and Karpathian food ideas that you can add to your kouzina routine.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi!  Good appetite!

Kelly
​

Kukla's Kouzina blogs on the Greek foods and faithful customs of Lent:
Greek Cheesefare Week
Fasting & Feasting…Greek Foods for Body & Soul
Lenten Cuisine~A Faith-Inspired Journey
Greek Foods of Lent

Coming up:
Greek Holy Week & Pascha~Easter Foods

Sources
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
WebMD

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Tarama is considered the Greek caviar. This relatively inexpensive carp roe (compared to caviars like Beluga) is aged and cured for over a year and is extremely salty, making the addition of salt in recipes that tarama is used in unnecessary. Although it can be enjoyed in a number of ways, it’s best known as the flavor punch in the classic rock-star meze taramosalata. This recipe can be found in our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks (on Amazon). The color of this spread, which can range from a warm beige to coral to a pinkish coral, comes from the type/brand of tarama used. Let the roe’s pigment guide you in your choice of tarama so the resulting hue will be the one you’d like to have. If a vibrant pink is desired, color will need to be added to the spread as the typical roe isn’t pink enough to give you a cotton-candy color. 

Before using, the roe is mashed and whisked into an emulsion with olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar, then a starch like whipped potatoes or crumbled day-old bread is beaten in, creating a fluffy mousse-like spread or dip. Taramosalata is appropriate for fasting periods and is a valued food during Lent, though it’s delicious enough to be savored any time. If you think this is just a pre-entrée indulgence, think again!

Taramosalata, how do we eat thee? Let us count the ways:

1. Serve alongside warm pita wedges or raw vegetables as a dip (the standard!).

2. Spread onto French-bread slices or spoon onto cucumber slices and/or crackers (this also works on cheese slices), then add a garnish of capers, fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) or a strip of citrus peel for color.    

3. Greek up your eggs! Think Eggs Benedict but instead of ham and Hollandaise, layer an English muffin with smoked salmon, a poached egg, and a dollop of taramosalata. Finish with a sprig of dill for the perfect morning wakeup.

4. Add to croquette or fritter recipes (plain tarama also works). For a recipe that makes 4 to 6 servings, mix in about 4 ounces of taramosalata or tarama (if using tarama, omit the salt in the recipe).

5. Spread on warm toast instead of butter.

6. Use as a garnish for soup (we love it with bean soups).

7. Use as a topping for grilled veggies and seafood.

8. Make it the main ingredient in sandwiches or use it in place of mayonnaise.

9. Stir a tablespoon into 2 cups of marinara for a creamy tomato sauce that can be tossed with pasta or served as a dressing for fish.

10. Crepe it: Spread a thick layer of taramosalata onto a crepe, top with cooked crabmeat or shrimp and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives, then roll and feast.

With all of the ways you can experience taramosalata, it’s no wonder this famous versatile meze is a Lenten delight, as well as a go-to for any occasion. Fair warning, it’s hard to stop eating this allure after just one taste!

Tarama and taramosalata are readily available in some supermarkets, Greek/Mediterranean markets, and specialty/gourmet shops, as well as online at Mediterranean Foods,
gourmetfoodstore.com, and Amazon.

I hope you enjoyed our taramosalata tasting and that these ideas will complement your menus. As we journey through Lent we will continue to bring you more of our customs and foods relating to fasting for spirit and body.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!

Until then~
Kali orexi!  Good appetite!

Kelly

Click here to see more of our blogs on the Greek Foods of Lent.

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Artichokes are a popular vegetable in Greek cuisine—from baby hearts used in an artichoke-and-rice dish to whole artichokes simmered in a citrus-olive oil dressing—but their preparation and cleaning is a mystery to some and tedious to others. For this post we’ll cover the two basic procedures (for hearts and whole) with tips to help take your artichokes from market to pot in a few simple steps.

1. Start with fresh artichokes that are in season.
 
2. Look for firm round artichokes that are green without brown spots or stems that look woody (a sign that they’re not so fresh).
 
3. Prepare a very large bowl with acidulated water: combine the juice from 1 fresh lemon with 3 to 4 cups of cold water.
 
4. Cleaning the artichokes: rinse well under cold running water, then proceed as below for hearts or whole artichokes.

Artichoke hearts: Snap off the tough outer leaves and discard. Using kitchen scissors, trim the sharp tips off the remaining leaves (a) and snap each off, saving to use in a soup or stew (if saving for a future use, transfer the leaves to a freezer bag, press out all the air, seal and freeze up to 1 month; if using the same day, transfer to the acidulated water). When you get to the choke, hold the heart firmly in one hand and, using a spoon, scoop out the choke and discard (follow along with this video). Proceed to step 5.

Whole artichokes: Snap off the tough outer leaves and discard. Using kitchen scissors, trim the sharp tips off the remaining leaves (a). Using a sharp knife, cut off the top one-third of the artichoke and discard. Trim the stem to 1 inch beyond the base of the artichoke and, if tough, peel off the outer skin. Hold the base firmly in one hand and, using a spoon, scoop out the choke in the center and discard  (follow along with this video) or cut the artichoke lengthwise in half and scoop out the choke from each half (b). Proceed to step 5.

5. After cleaning each artichoke, immediately transfer to the acidulated water, submerging completely (c). This will keep the vegetable from discoloring and turning brown (this method also works for fruit and other vegetables as well).
 
6. Leave the artichokes in the acidulated water until ready to add them to your recipe.
 
Our Warm Artichoke-Salad Spread recipe can be found in our Spreads & Dips cookbook, available on Amazon.
 
I hope you enjoyed this week’s how-to post. Stay tuned for more Greek cooking techniques in upcoming blogs.
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

The discipline of fasting during Great Lent and other religious occasions is to bring about cleansing and spiritual awareness in preparation for the Resurrection at Pascha (Easter). 

In times of fasting, the Greek Orthodox abstain from foods that come from animals containing blood, which include beef, poultry, eggs, dairy, and most seafood, shellfish being the exception because it contains no blood. During the strictest fasts, olive oil and wine are also abstained from. Traditional Lenten foods, as well as our own recipes we developed for fasting, are plentiful and delicious, and some might say that you’re not giving up anything if you’re enjoying your meal. The thing is, when you’re preparing these foods, you’re taking extra care to make suitable substitutions for the foods you can’t eat, which reminds you of why you’re doing it. In turn, you become spiritually aware and the fast is “serving” its purpose.

Clean Monday, or Kathara Deftera (Καθαρά Δευτέρα), marks the launch of Great Lent for the Greek Orthodox and the entry of a unique collection of appropriate meals. A cross-section of Lenten foods that have become staples in our diet during this period include the following.

Taramosalata (ταραμοσαλάτα): A coral-colored, mousse-like dip containing red carp (fish) roe. For more on this dip and its many uses, check out our blog Taramosalata~Beyond Meze.

Revithosalata (ρεβιθοσαλάτα): A chickpea salad with red onion, cucumber, tomato, and fresh herbs.

Fakes Soupa (φακές σούπα): A protein-packed lentil soup that gets its Greek twist from vinegar.

Lagana (λαγάνα): A flat bread that gets its “dimples” from fingertips pressed into the surface.

Horta Vrasta (χόρτα βραστά): A boiled variety of leafy greens. A dressing of lemon juice and olive oil give this side dish flavor and enhance its nutritional value.

Dolmadakia Gialanzi (ντολμαδάκια γιαλαντζί): Grape leaves filled with rice and flavored with lemon.

Gigantes Plaki (γίγαντες πλακί): Giant beans in a tomato-based sauce.

Htapodi Sharas (χταπόδι-σχάρας): Grilled octopus.

Garides sti Shara me Lemoni (γαρίδες στη σχάρα με λεμόνι): Grilled shrimp with lemon.

Loukoumades (λουκουμάδες): Light and fluffy puffs drizzled with honey.

Koulourakia made with wine (κουλουράκια με κρασί): Perfect for dunking when you want something subtly sweet.

Halva with oil (χαλβά με λάδι): A Lenten favorite, this homemade version of halva is made with semolina or farina and butter, but when fasting, the butter is replaced with canola oil. Once cooled in a form, the halva is unmolded and dusted with ground cinnamon, then cut into slices.

Halva/Halvah with tahini (χαλβά με ταχίνι): Very different from the homemade version, this store-bought halva, popular throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, is made with tahini (sesame paste) and comes in blocks with varietal options that include plain, with nuts (pistachios or almonds) or raisins, marbled with chocolate, and marbled with chocolate that’s coated completely in dark chocolate (my favorite!).

The photos in this slideshow demonstrate our Lenten menu on any given day of our 40-day fast. This is the kind of “fast” food that fuels our bodies and souls.    

I hope you enjoyed our Lenten tasting. Recipes for these foods and more will be featured in our upcoming cookbook! Stay tuned for future blogs on foods and customs relating to this Holy season of fasting and spiritual awakening. 

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi!  Good appetite!

Kelly

Kukla's Kouzina blogs on the Greek foods and faithful customs of Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha:
Greek Cheesefare Week
Fasting & Feasting…Greek Foods for Body & Soul
Lenten Kouzina Made Easy
Greek Holy Week & Pascha~Easter Foods
Greek Foods of Lent

Source
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

The countdown to Great Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church comes in the form of three preparatory weeks. First is a fast-free week, followed by a standard-fasting week (no meat products on Wednesday and Friday), and lastly a no-meat week where cheese and eggs are allowed every day. This last week is called Cheesefare Week, which begins immediately after Meatfare Sunday, the final day of the second preparation week. Cheesefare Sunday marks the end of Cheesefare Week, after which, in addition to meat, you abstain from diary and eggs for Great Lent.

In Greece, these three pre-Lent weeks have evolved from the ancient Karnavali (καρναβάλι), pronounced kahr-nah-VAH-lee, or carnival, into a period called Apokries (Απόκριες), pronounced ah-POH-kree-ehs, meaning a gradual pulling “away from meat.” This is a Greek Mardi Gras of sorts—a masquerade filled with fun, laughter, and indulgence in food.

During Cheesefare Week, the custom is to eat dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and of course cheese! Because this is the period right before Great Lent, it’s the time to consume all perishable dairy products in your refrigerator before going into the 40-plus-day phase of fasting. In turn, this week is known for its cornucopia of scrumptious and rich cheese-based foods that were developed just for this occasion, like Tyropita (cheese-filled phyllo pie), Poungia Karpathika Apokriatia (Carnival spiced cheese crescents with honey from Karpathos), and Loukoumadakia me Myzithra (cheese puffs drizzled with honey). 

In honor of this week’s food theme, we’re going to talk about Greek cheeses that make Cheesefare Week and every week (non-fasting of course) delicious!

Cut it…grate it…shred it…crumble it…cube it…fry it…grill it…bake it…and EAT it! 

As an appetizer, on a salad, in a savory pie/pita (like spanakopita), over pasta, or in a dessert—when it comes to cheese, or as we say, tyrí (τυρί–pronounced tee-REE), variety is the spice of [Greek] life!

And in that life, man cannot live on feta alone—not when there’s an abundance of Greek cheeses to explore and enjoy! You’ll also need some olives and crusty bread to complete the experience. Before I go off on a tangent (which is really not hard to do when it comes to food) lets get back to cheese. Aside from feta, there’s a wealth of Greek cheeses that are not that well known in the non-Greek community.

In Karpathos, as on many of the Greek islands, fresh and aged cheeses are uniquely made in the homes of each village using sheep’s and/or goat’s milk so the varieties are seemingly endless. The animals are grass fed and graze freely, producing milk of the highest quality. Most of these cheeses are not exported so if you want to sample the tyrí Yiayiá makes, you have to take a trip to her kouzina. The good news is that there are many commercially-produced cheeses that are exported and are becoming more available in specialty markets, gourmet shops, Greek/Mediterranean stores and supermarkets throughout the United States. A few of them can also be ordered online!

This week the Greek cheese plate is on Kukla’s Kouzina’s table with details about each variety featured in our cookbooks, including how they can be used, along with acceptable substitutions (if available). A list of places where you can purchase these cheeses follows.

FETA (φέτα) pronounced FEH-tah
(sheep’s and/or goat’s milk, aged and kept in a salty whey brine for at least two months)
Soft-creamy to semi-firm, flavor ranges from moderately salty to salty-peppery-sharp

Everyone knows about feta and most people love it but not many realize that feta comes in as many varieties as there are towns in Greece, and most of these varieties are named for the region they come from. Most fetas are made from sheep’s milk and have a creamy-smooth texture. Some are made with goat’s milk, which gives them a tangy quality—you’ll even find little wheels of goat feta that are scored from being ripened in small baskets (kalathaki). A few are made with both sheep’s and goat’s milk, combining the qualities of both. If a cheese is labeled as feta but is made with cow’s milk (domestic) it is NOT real feta—it has none of the rich flavor of traditional feta and you should not waste your money! 

Always read the label and look for sheep’s milk, goat’s milk or a combo of the two. Most specialty markets will let you have a taste to help you choose.    

These are a few of our favorites:

·Arahova pronounced a-RA-hova (sheep’s milk): semi-firm, sharp, a bit salty, peppery. Great for crumbling in a salad, serving sliced with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and kalamata olives, baking in a pita, and frying (as in saganaki, where feta is sautéed in olive oil, flamed with brandy and sprinkled with lemon juice).

·Bulgarian (sheep’s and/or goat’s milk): semi-firm, tangy, salty. Great in a salad, serving sliced, for baking, and frying.

·Dodoni pronounced tho-THO-nee (sheep’s milk): firm, salty. Great in a salad, serving sliced, for baking, and frying.

·French (sheep’s milk): soft to semi-firm, creamy, mildest of the feta family. This feta is perfect for serving fresh in salads, crumbled in an omelet, or sliced on an appetizer (meze) plate.

HALLOUMI (χαλούμι) pronounced hah-LOO-mee
(sheep’s milk)
Firm, mild, moderately salty

This white cheese comes from Cyprus and has an almost rubbery quality that cuts into perfect slices for frying in saganaki, grilling, or dicing for a salad.

Try this: Cut into 1-inch cubes, brush with olive oil and grill just until grill marks appear. Cool slightly, then skewer with watermelon pieces and mint or basil leaves for a refreshing appetizer.

Note: This is the only cheese that can be frozen without harming its texture or flavor.

KASSERI (κασέρι) pronounced kah-SEH-ree
(sheep’s milk alone or combined with goat’s milk, made in the regions of Thessalia and Xanthi, and the island of Mitilini, aged over three months)
Semi-firm, yellow, mild, creamy, salty-sweet, nutty

Wonderful as a sliced table cheese, or shredded/diced and tossed with hot pasta. You’ll always find at least two cheeses on a Greek table, feta and kasseri. Kasseri is also the cheese used in Greece to make pizza (but no tomato sauce!).

Substitution: manchego

KEFALOTYRI (κεφαλοτύρι) pronounced keh-fah-loh-TEE-ree
(sheep’s milk alone, or combined with goat’s milk, aged at least three months)
Hard, sharp, salty, tangy, strong aroma, light yellow

Perfect for grating over pasta or vegetables, in savory pies, or garnishing cooked dishes.

Substitution: a 50-50 mix of high-quality Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano

GRAVIERA (γραβιέρα) pronounced ghrah-VYEH-raH
(sheep’s milk, sometimes combined with a small amount of goat’s milk, aged at least five months)
Semi-hard, firm, sweet, fruity, nutty, mellow, intense aroma

The highest quality Graviera comes from Crete and is served sliced, alone or with appetizers (meze).

Substitution: manchego

KEFALOGRAVIERA (κεφαλογραβιέρα) pronounced keh-fah-loh-ghrah-VYEH-rah
(sheep’s milk, sometimes combined with goat’s milk, made in western Greece, aged at least three months)
Hard, salty, nutty

As the name suggests, this cheese is a marriage between Kefalotyri and Graviera and merges the qualities of both to form a cheese ideal for grating over dishes, using in savory pies or making saganaki.

Substitution: high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano

MANOURI (μανούρι) pronounced mah-NOO-ree
(sheep’s milk alone, or combined with goat’s milk, made in central and western Thessalia)
Semi-soft, sweet, buttery, dense

Similar to feta but creamier and less salty or unsalted, this fresh white cheese is made from the drained whey from feta production. This melt-in-your-mouth cheese can be mixed with herbs and spread on crackers or bread. It can also be served as a dessert drizzled with honey—a favorite in Greece.

Substitution: goat cheese (chèvre) 

MYZITHRA (μυζήθρα) pronounced mee-ZEE-thrah
(sheep’s and/or goat’s milk)
Fresh, unsalted, mild flavor, strong aroma, generally sold in round balls or loose by weight.

A whey cheese made from feta and Kefalotyri by-products, it makes a delicious topper for pastas, pizzas, stews, soups and salads. It’s also used as a filling in pastries and desserts.

Substitutions: full-fat sheep’s-milk ricotta. 
If using cow’s-milk ricotta (full fat only), 
drain well in a cheesecloth and add a little cream.

DRY MYZITHRA (μυζήθρα ξερή) pronounced mee-ZEE-thrah kseh-REE
(sheep’s and/or goat’s milk)
Air-dried Myzythra, hard, heavily salted

Perfect for grating over pasta and vegetables. In Glifatha in Athens, restaurants sprinkle it over French fries for an unbelievable side dish.

Substitutions: dry-aged ricotta salata (pressed, salted and dried ricotta), Pecorino Romano 

Got Cheese?
If you’re in the New York City area, you can find these Greek cheeses (and more) at the following markets:

Titan Foods
25-56 31st Street
Astoria, NY, 11102
718-626-7771

Mediterranean Foods (2 locations)
30-12 34th Street
Astoria, NY 11103
718-728-6166

22-78 35th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
718-721-0266

New Bakaliko
115 Broadway (RT 107)
Hicksville, NY 11801
516-932-8988

If you don’t live near these markets but have a Greek Orthodox church nearby, chances are they know of a Greek/Mediterranean shop in the area.

Online shopping is also an option. Here’s where you can find Greek cheese, as well as other foods and items:

igourmet.com
amazon.com
Costco - select locations (Dodoni feta) and from Instacart

I hope you enjoyed our celebration of Cheesefare Week. These cheeses are featured in recipes in our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks, available on Amazon. Next week we enter Great Lent so join us then for more Greek foods and customs as they relate to this period of fasting and prayer.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi!  Good appetite!

Kelly

Kukla's Kouzina blogs on the Greek foods and faithful customs of Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha:
Fasting & Feasting…Greek Foods for Body & Soul
Lenten Cuisine~A Faith-Inspired Journey
Lenten Kouzina Made Easy
Greek Holy Week & Pascha~Easter Foods
Greek Foods of Lent

Resourses
Titan Foods, Astoria, NY
Krinos Foods

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

​Is your spice rack Greek friendly? There are a number of spices and flavorings that are used specifically for Greek cooking (and healing) and a few that are also used in other cuisines. You might be surprised to find out you already have some of these seasonings, and eager to learn about the ones you never heard of before. Get ready to stock up on some essential Greek-kouzina spice staples!
 
My Big Fat Greek Spice Rack
Following are the spices and herbs no self-respecting Greek would ever be without. If you want to cook like a Greek, you have to stock up like one. Once you have your grocery list ready, check out the stores and websites at the end that carry these items. 

Anise seeds (glykaniso, γλυκάνισο, pronounced ghlee-KAH-nee-so)
This seed is what gives ouzo its distinctive smell, and flavors so many foods in Karpathian cooking. Because the seeds are potent, you only need a small amount to give breads, cakes, and pastries a tasty accent. The preparation we use is: Combine 1/2 teaspoon seeds with ¼ cup water and bring to a boil, then simmer 5 minutes or until aromatic. The strained liquid is then added to recipes.
These seeds also have a medicinal digestive use for easing gas pains in babies (and adults): Bring 1 teaspoon anise seed and 2/3 cup water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Strain and cool to warm. Babies love it because it has a natural sweetness, and it makes them feel better fast.

​Mahlab seeds (mahlepi, μαχλέπι, pronounced mah-HLEH-pee)
Mahlepi seeds are the tiny (about 1/4 inch) dried pits of wild cherries native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Mahlepi is sold as whole seeds and ground, and should be light beige in color (they get dark when they’re old and stale). Whole seeds have a longer shelf life and can be frozen (in a heavy-duty freezer bag) up to two years. When ready to use, the seeds are ground using a mortar and pestle. This beautifully aromatic spice is used to flavor cakes, pastries, and holiday breads. Mahlepi gives tsoureki (Greek Easter bread) its trademark fragrance and fills the kitchen, and house, with its extraordinary sweetness when baking. 

​Mastic (mastiha, μαστίχα, pronounced ma-STEE-hah)
Mastiha is the rare crystallized resin that seeps from the bark of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). The tree, indigenous to the island of Chios, also produces a wild pistachio. The resin, which drips in the shape of teardrops, has been the island’s trademark and largest export from ancient times, and is the main source of income for thousands of families on Chios. The value of the mastic trees on Chios has invoked numerous invasions by other civilizations as well as pirates. Masticate, meaning “to chew,” is derived from the word mastiha, which is actually the word Greeks use for chewing gum, and it is believed that this was the very first gum in history. Mastiha is used in a number of different products, including chewing gum, alcoholic beverages, breads, ice cream, syrups, and sweets. Before adding it to recipes, the crystalized resin beads must be ground into a powder, along with a little sugar from the recipe, using a mortar and pestle. The sugar keeps the mastic from sticking to the surface of the mortar and pestle (which it will do if you try to grind it alone) and allows it to be ground into a fine texture.

​Nigella seeds (black sesame, mavrosisamo, μαυροσíσαμο, pronounced ma-vro-SEE-sahmo)
These small black seeds are about the size of sesame seeds and look like they could be black sesame but in fact are not sesame at all. They are picked from the Nigella sativa plant grown in Egypt and India. Nigella seeds are a spice as well as a seed, imparting a smoky, oregano-peppery flavor to recipes. The most common use is sprinkling them on breads, kouloures, and breadsticks, alone or combined with sesame. The essential oils in the seeds have antimicrobial agents and can benefit digestion by eliminating parasites. 

Sea Salt (thalassino alati, θαλασσινó αλάτι, pronounced tha-la-see-NOH ah-LAH-tee)
Amazing food requires high-quality ingredients—fresh vegetables, choice meats, and, yes, sea salt! Sea salt is the only salt used in traditional Greek cooking. Its natural, salt-water flavor is a far cry from the chemical taste of table salt and you will notice the difference! Sea salt also dissolves more easily than table salt when cooking, and is lower in sodium (it’s flaked, so there’s less salt per measure) so it’s a healthier choice as well. Greek sea salt comes in fine, medium, and coarse crystals, is inexpensive, and can be found in Greek/Mediterranean stores, as well as online.

​Cinnamon (kanela, κανέλα, pronounced kah-NEH-lah)
In stick form you can tell that cinnamon is the inner bark of a tree, a tropical evergreen tree to be exact. Both stick and ground versions are used in a wide array of dishes. From a subtle flavoring in meat sauces used in moussaka and pastitsio, to a more prominent taste in sweets like baklava and galaktomboureko, this spice is invaluable in the Greek kouzina. Ancient physicians prescribed cinnamon to improve circulatory health and today’s research suggests that it may reduce blood-sugar levels in diabetics (just ½ teaspoon per day).

RESOURCES:
Mayo Clinic: Diabetes treatment: Can cinnamon lower blood sugar?
Medical News Today: Cinnamon, blood sugar, and diabetes

​Cloves (garifalo, γαρίφαλο, pronounced ghah-REE-fah-loh)
These dried, unopened flower buds of the tropical evergreen clove tree are a valuable spice worldwide. Clove’s aromatic, peppery flavor lends itself to a number of dishes from sauces and meats to desserts like karithopita (nut cake with syrup) and spoon sweets. For centuries, cloves have been chewed to eliminate bad breath and it’s not surprising that some Greeks always have a small bag they carry with them.

​Nutmeg (moschokaritho, μοσχοκάρυδο, pronounced moh-shoh-KAH-ree-thoh)
This dark-brown seed from the nutmeg tree is a lighter brown to tan color on the inside and has a warm, spicy-sweet taste. Though you can use it pre-ground, for the most aromatic and flavorful addition to your foods, we suggest you grate it fresh when you need it (you will notice the difference). You’ll find this spice in béchamel sauce (used in moussaka and pastitsio), potato croquettes, syrups, and cakes.

​Allspice (mbahari, μπαχάρι, pronounced mbah-HAH-ree)
This pea-sized berry of the evergreen pimiento tree seems to embody the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, hence the name. Sold in dried-berry and ground form, it’s best to grind the berries as needed for the freshest taste. A pinch goes a long way in tomato-based sauces, meats, and Karpathian breads.

​Cardamom (karthamo, κάρδαμο, pronounced KAR-thah-moh)
This aromatic spice is a member of the ginger family and takes the form of seeds in small pods. Cardamom is sold in seed (to grind for recipes) and finely ground forms. We use it ground in sweets and find this spice to be potent enough to last up to a year. Ancient Greeks and Romans scented their perfumes with cardamom and ancient Egyptians chewed on the seeds to clean their teeth.

Vanillin (powdered crystalline vanilla, vanilia, βανίλια, pronounced vah-NEEL-yah)
This is the only vanilla used in Greek baking because it’s the most flavorful component of the vanilla bean. It’s white in color, looks a bit like confectioners’ sugar, and is made up of tiny crystal flakes. The flavor is super concentrated compared to vanilla extract so you would use a very small amount—a pinch usually does the trick. It imparts a pure vanilla essence to recipes, without the aftertaste of alcohol (from the extract), making it perfect for custards, cakes, cookies, and breads. It’s a bit pricey but remember that a little goes a very long way, and it will make your Greek desserts taste like heaven, the way they should!

Ready, set, shop!
 
SOURCES (for purchase)
Mediterranean Foods (2 locations)
22-78 35th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
718-721-0266
 
30-12 34th Street
Astoria, NY 11103
718-728-6166
 
Sahadi’s, 187 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Titan Foods, 25-56 31st Street, Astoria, NY
GreekShops.com
Greek Market
Parthenon Foods
 
We hope you enjoyed our journey down the spice aisle. Stay tuned for upcoming segments on uniquely Greek ingredients!
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

​When yogurt is called for in Greek cooking, it’s drained (strained) Greek sheep’s-milk yogurt, which is the consistency of cream cheese. Sheep’s-milk yogurt is sweeter and creamier than cow’s-milk and is available in Greek markets and gourmet shops. You can also use thick Mediterranean-style sheep’s-milk or cow’s-milk yogurt, available in supermarkets and specialty food stores throughout the United States. Following is our recipe for homemade drained yogurt, a simple and tasty way to DIY.

16 ounces (2 cups) plain whole-milk yogurt
 
Line a fine mesh sieve with a double thickness of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Place the yogurt in the cheesecloth, gather up the sides, and tie them together with kitchen string. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the yogurt drain in the refrigerator until very thick, 2 to 4 hours or overnight (discard the water that collects in the bowl). Makes 8 ounces (1 cup) Drained Yogurt (32 ounces of undrained yogurt makes 16 ounces of Drained Yogurt).
 
Serve with a drizzle of honey, toasted walnuts, and/or fruit, or use in your favorite recipes.
 
Recipe by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style
 
For recipes using Greek yogurt, check out our blogs:
Greek Chocolate Love featuring Chocolate Soufflés with Greek Yogurt
Mediterranean Diet Resolution Recipes: Sweet Success featuring Berry-Oat Parfait

Drained Yogurt is also featured in our Tzatziki recipe, from our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s how-to post. Stay tuned for more Greek cooking techniques in upcoming blogs.
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

There’s no denying that when it comes to love, chocolate is the ultimate food pleasure. Chocolate and joy go hand-in-hand, and when you’re filled with joy, you love longer. Whether you’re celebrating with your sweetheart, family, or dear friends, this soufflé is an ideal way to spread joy and show how much you adore them!
 
To go all out with a heart theme, you can use heart-shaped ramekins or cut out a paper heart, place it in the middle of the baked soufflé, and dust confectioners’ sugar over the top, then remove the paper for an easy way to say I love you!

​Dark chocolate, coffee, almond essence, and thick Greek yogurt combine to create this deliciously intense dessert. The perfect match for a passionate heart!
 
PREP TIME: 15 minutes plus standing
COOK/BAKE TIME: about 25 minutes
MAKES: 6 servings
 
Unsalted butter, for ramekins
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for ramekins
8 ounces bittersweet (60% cacao) dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
1/2 cup plain reduced-fat (2%) Greek yogurt
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
6 large egg whites, at room-temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
 
Confectioners’ sugar, for sifting
Ripe berries, for serving
 
1. Generously butter six 6-ounce ramekins (if using 5-ounce ramekins, you’ll need seven; if using 4-ounce ramekins, you’ll need eight), coating the rims, then sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, turning the ramekins to coat (like flouring a cake pan). Tap out excess sugar. Transfer the ramekins to a rimmed baking sheet.
 
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the chocolate and coffee in a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (the water should not touch the bowl). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 10 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and let stand until slightly cooled, about 10 minutes.
 
3. Whisk the yogurt into the chocolate mixture until smooth, then whisk in the egg yolks and extracts until combined well.
 
4. In a large mixer bowl, beat together the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-high speed to soft peaks. Gradually add the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and beat to stiff, glossy peaks (do not overbeat).
 
5. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold one-third of the egg-white mixture into the chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold in the remaining egg-white mixture in two batches, gently folding all the way to the bottom to incorporate the whites without deflating, until hardly any white streaks are visible.
 
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling completely and gently tapping the ramekins to settle the batter. Using a dough scraper or the back of a knife, scrape the edge over the tops of the ramekins to level, resulting in a flat top on the baked soufflés. Immediately bake the soufflés until puffed and risen above the top of the rims, 12 to 15 minutes. Dust each with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately with berries.
​
Recipe by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style  
 
I hope you enjoyed this week’s post and that your Valentine’s Day, and every day, is overflowing with Greek Chocolate Love !
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos