It’s that time of year when joy is shared with special packages wrapped in shinny paper and pretty bows, and nothing is more appreciated than delicious gifts chosen with love. This year’s selections from the warm Mediterranean (that we sampled at the Fancy Food Show) are some of our favorite new things. We begin, of course, with our home country, Greece, then taste our way through Spain, Ibiza, Italy, Lebanon, Turkey, and Portugal, followed by three special Mediterranean-flavored brands. We wrap up this gift post with an exceptional sweet treat from our favorite confectioner, André’s Confiserie Suisse.
 
Choose one, a prepared gift package, or create a themed basket customized to your recipient’s tastes.

BreadKone
Chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad between two slices of bread, messy! Bread in the shape of a cone, neat, and you’ll have your other hand free to grab your drink. With almost 6 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar, BreadKone will leave you satisfied but not weighed down. With unlimited uses and filling options, it’s no wonder the sensation that started in Greece has found it’s second home in the US.
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Varieties: Classic, Sesame & Herbs, Cheese (parmesan), Everything Seasoning; available in 2 sizes, 3.7 oz, 1.8 oz

Black Garlic DownVillage
Founded on Pelion Mountain in Thessaly, Greece, Black Garlic DownVillage has been a pioneer in black garlic production since 2013 using high-quality consciously-grown Greek garlic. Add sweet flavor and good health to foods with this nutrient-rich superfood from Greece that’s loaded with allicin, a powerful compound known for its health benefits (enhances muscle recovery while boosting the body's immunity against infections, supports cancer prevention, lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure), and has at least twice the antioxidants of white garlic (and no garlic breath!). Great for savory and sweet dishes; pair with cheese and cured meats; punch up salads, marinades, sauces, veggies, dressings, dips; flavor meat, fish, and pasta.
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Products: cloves, honey, pearls, paste, ketchup

Greek Originals from Paliria
Set a traditional Greek table with freshly prepared meals like moussaka, pastitsio, gemista, and vegetarian light meals. Individual portions allow you to customize a meal for everyone. Gift the taste of Greece!
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Varieties: Fresh Meals, Vegetarian Meals (shelf stable), Frozen Meals

Flor de La Jara Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Spain was this year’s Fancy Food Show host country and this premium extra-virgin olive oil magnificently represents the region. It’s so exquisite that it has been chosen for Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2024! Three varieties from the La Jara region (Montes de Toledo) of Spain—Arbequina (mild notes of fruit and fresh herbs, green almonds, and a touch of sweetness), Picual (fruity with notes of banana and a slight peppery finish), and Cornicabra (a robust intense oil with notes of green tomatoes, artichokes, and a distinct peppery finish that indicates the rich presence of vitamins and polyphenols)—a taste for every palate and the flavorful way to eat healthy!

SAL de IBIZA Breadsticks
These breadsticks’ special texture (no two sticks are the same) and Mediterranean flavors in the style of Ibiza are naturally savory and delicious. The breadsticks are baked using carefully selected ingredients and with great attention to detail. Enjoy with a dip, a glass of wine, or add to your meze/charcuterie platter to make the holidays special. These savory snacks are the perfect combination of taste, quality, and will impart Mediterranean elegance to any holiday basket.
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Varieties: Flor de Sal (sea salt) for an authentic taste of Ibiza, Con Pipas (with sunflower seeds) with a mild, nutty flavor

Pi00a Pizza Napoletana
Fresh-from-the-brick-oven-excellence in a frozen pizza? Oh yes, and no one will ever guess it didn’t come from the pizzeria. Get ready to be blown away. Go protein rich (up to 20 g) and fiber-healthy (up to 5 g) with Pi00a’s bursting-with-flavor Miso Eggplant or choose another from their scrumptious menu. Each flavor is unique and fabulous! Sprinkle on some Spicy Chili Crunch for a fiery-sweet finish (also great on eggs, veggies, and ice cream). Bonus, your purchase supports the Deaf community, affording members the opportunity to train and work. Great product, worthy cause…win, WIN!

Varieties: Marinara, Margherita, Soppressata, Spicy Soppressata, Quattro Formaggi, Hainan Chicken, Miso Eggplant, Asian Pear

​Il Mulino Pasta Sauces
Elevate your at-home dining with these hand-crafted sauces from New York’s quintessential Italian restaurant. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, a unique blend of signature herbs, aromatic garlic, and premium vodka (in the vodka sauce), you can turn any meal into a 4-star event.
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Varieties: Marinara, Pomodoro, Vodka

Michael’s of Brooklyn
A long-standing favorite of ours, Michael’s of Brooklyn restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1964 and offers three generations of pride and excellence. Nothing beats Italian from the heart of Brooklyn, NY. Whether you choose a dinner & dessert pack, a pasta pack, a pasta and sauce pack, a variety pack of sauces, or one particular sauce, there’s something delizioso for just about everyone.

Sauce varieties: Home Style Gravy, Fresh Tomato & Basil, Arrabbiata, Puttanesca, Filetto di Pomodoro, Vodka, Alfredo, and more, as well as low-sodium varieties
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Packs feature a variety of products, including: biscotti, pastas, extra-virgin olive oil, and a wooden spoon

Monini Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This splendid organic, single-varietal 100-percent Italian olive oil is the recipient of multiple, well-deserved awards. Three unique flavor profiles from three Italian regions offer an accompaniment for a number of dishes. Monocultivar Coratina from Apulia is intensely fruity, pungent, and balanced (best over grilled meats and vegetables). Monocultivar Nocellara from Sicily has notes of green tomato and sweet almond (best over fish, chicken, and salads). Monocultivar Frantoio from Umbria has hints of artichoke and green almond (best over red meats and vegetables). Choose one or gift all three!

Farmer Foodie Italian Herb Cashew Parm
If dairy’s an issue, gift this delectable Italian Herb Cashew Parm—made from premium organic cashews, a blend of savory Italian spices, and herbs—as a replacement for parmesan.  The product embodies traditional parmesan flavors with added tangy pizza vibes. The rich creamy goodness of Italian Herb will elevate any culinary experience. Crafted with care and passion, this artisanal Cashew Parm is the perfect marriage of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Recreate all your favorite Italian dishes with this deliciously dairy- and gluten-free Italian Herb flavor.
Varieties: Italian Herb Cashew Parm, Golden Chedda Cashew Parm

For Air Travelers—add yummy to your pre-flight and look for this amazing gelato at the airport!

Solato
This brand created the creamiest, most flavorful gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt we’ve experienced outside of Italy. Solato’s artisanal products are freshly made with up to 40% less sugar (we didn’t miss it…at all!) than typical ice cream and has zero artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Indulgence at the airport? We’re onboard!

Zesty Z Pita Chips
Mother-and-son team, Lorraine and Alexander Harik have zested up snack time with these new flavor-packed, high-fiber (6 g) pita chips, with 22% fewer carbs than leading pita chips. They’re twice baked from fresh pita, giving you double layers, signature grill marks, a deeply satisfying crunch, and a chip that will hold up against even the strongest dip! Snacks just got a whole lot more, well, Zesty!
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Flavors: Sea Salt, Parmesan & Garlic

Oro di Milas Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This multi-award-winning monovarietal oil, produced with Memecik olives unique to the Milas region, is certified by the European Union as PDO. Milas has a long history of olive oil production. Historical sources indicate that olive cultivation began in Anatolia approximately 6,000 years ago. During the Ottoman period, the region was very famous for its olive oil and exported large amounts of it, which significantly boosted its economy.
 
Oro di Milas boasts an intense aroma of green olives and freshly cut grass, with notes of tomato leaf, aromatic herbs, green apple, and green almond. The combination of spiciness and a slight bitterness culminate in a pleasant aftertaste. This versatile oil is ideal to pair with just about any food.

Acushla Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Acushla, Celtic for “beat of my heart,” was chosen to represent the emotion and passion of its founder. Originating from the Protected Designation of Origin of Trás-os-Montes and extracted from cobrançosa, madural, verdeal, and cordovil olive tree varieties, this high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil has a low acidity level. Acushla is a balanced yellowish-green olive oil, medium fruity, with a slight bitterness and spiciness. In addition to its excellent texture and taste, Acushla is suitable for serving at the table, but also for preparing gourmet dishes.

Alexian (pâtés and more)
This superb woman-owned brand embodies the essence of fine French bites and has been elevating the eating experience for 42 years.

​Their product line includes luscious pâtés (including vegan), mousses, charcuterie, and specialty crackers, with no artificial favors, colors, preservatives, or fillers.

Sincerely, Brigitte
Grab N’ Go Sticks: individually wrapped single-serve cheeses
Finally, on-the-go gourmet cheese sticks! These sticks begin with premium milk from small Wisconsin dairy farms using vegetarian rennet and only fresh ingredients resulting in the most distinctive flavor. Brigitte is always looking for ways to spice things up with her flavor combinations, bringing together bold, sweet, spicy, and savory into the most elating flavored cheese.
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Varieties: Tomato Olive (Prairie Jack with olive & sundried tomato), Garlic Basil (Prairie Jack with garlic & basil), Chipotle (white cheddar with chipotle), and more—all delish and the Tomato Olive tastes like pizza!

Freekeh Harvest Pita Chips
Freekeh (free-kuh), an ancient Mediterranean supergrain, was discovered around 2300 B.C. The grain is slow-roasted and turned into a protein-rich pita chip, perfect for dipping or healthy snacking on-the-go (6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no added sugar). These delicious chips have up to 3 times more protein and fiber and up to 50% less fat than other pita chips. While new to America, freekeh is a notable staple of a Mediterranean diet. And even more notable, their roasted nutty flavor is addictive!
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Varieties: Sea Salt, Everything

Dixie Grace’s Boiled Peanut Hummus
In this innovative hummus, traditional chickpeas are replaced by boiled peanuts to create a flavor-packed creamy spread. We were delighted to find that we enjoyed it more than the typical store-bought chickpea hummus. Serve with crackers, pita, or veggies, or spread it on sliced bread to dial up the flavor of your sandwich. It’s also the perfect choice for anyone allergic to chickpeas.
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Varieties: Original, Hot & Spicy

​André’s Confiserie Suisse
Family-owned, André’s is rooted in three generations of Swiss-trained confiseurs. While honoring their Swiss tradition, the family is known for bringing their personal passion, ingenuity, and pride to create distinctive chocolate experiences for the community that has made André’s a Kansas City gem for more than 65 years.
 
André’s newest product, Feuilletine Crunch Chocolate Bâtons (above), is created with just 3 ingredients: the brand’s signature Swiss chocolate with flakes of crisp, caramelized crêpes, and is topped with plant-based food color décor. This treat captivated us and we weren’t surprised to learn that it was featured in The Wall Street Journal: 12 Trending Snacks From the Food World’s Answer to Fashion Week. 

​One of our favorite distinctive chocolate experiences is André’s signature almonds, a crossover Greek staple made more exquisite with chocolate. Coufeta were never this delectable. This confection features fresh roasted nonpareil almonds and premium cocoa, created using a multi-step process: Almonds are roasted to a golden brown, delicately caramelized then coated with André’s signature Swiss milk chocolate (covered in powdered sugar) or dark chocolate (covered in cocoa powder). For the chocolate purist, there’s an extra-dark (80%) chocolate version. It's the ultimate amount of crunch and decadent chocolate coating.
 
Additional products from André’s: themed holiday confections (including Dresdner Stollen, fruitcake, and gingerbread), Signature Chocolate Almonds, candies, truffles, and so much more


I hope you and those on your Nice list enjoy these wonderful edible gifts! Next week we’ll feature more wonderful products from the Fancy Food Show that you can add to your entertaining menu. Our cookbooks Kukla’s Kouzina: Meze and Spreads & Dips can also be nice additions to gift baskets for anyone who loves to cook!
 
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 © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Following months of tasting and testing, we finished reviewing over 100 products from this year’s sold-out Summer Fancy Food Show and have narrowed down our choices to the best of the best to share with you, including Sofi Award winners.
 
The following 30 curated finds will help you create a gorgeous charcuterie and/or dessert board and beverage station for you and your guests to enjoy throughout this holiday season. Arrange little bowls of olives, gherkins, fruit, and nuts to enhance your board, visually and tastefully.
 
For gift ideas, see last week’s post Mediterranean Food Gifts (including pantry staples). As an added bonus, you’ll find items in both posts that can easily cross over between categories covering everything trending for your holiday menus, snacking, and sipping by the fire (or TV). Get ready to be WOWED by some of the most exceptional foods and drinks we’ve sampled!

Busti Formaggi di Famiglia – Cheese from Tuscany
Saying these chesses are magnificent does not do them justice. We can’t pick just one, so we’re including two in this lineup. The Argitoni Pecorino Romano is creamy, rich, and not too salty (as Pecorino Romano can be). The Busti Pecorino di Fauglia is nutty, silky, and melts in your mouth as it continues to burst with Tuscan flavor. The company also produces lactose-free cheeses. We suggest you purchase these in wheels and serve with a cheese knife, as pictured here.
Contact Schuman Cheese for purchase information.

Sincerely, Brigitte
Every cheese from this brand has a distinct personality that makes you want to say: “I’ll have one of each!” Three of our favorites are perfect for this post. Prairie Jack with Lemon & Sage cheese captures the flavors so common in Greek cuisine. Prairie Jack with Sundried Tomato & Olive cheese tastes like pizza, seriously (and also comes shredded for homemade pizza)! And the ideal cheese centerpiece is the layered Brigitte’s Spirit Brie & Fig Paste (the Brie & Guava Paste is pretty awesome, too).
Shop locations

Cypress Grove
This producer creates award-winning cheeses that range from fresh and tangy to soft-ripened classics, to buttery aged chesses. Their Meyer Lemon and Honey Goat Cheese combines floral Meyer lemon that’s lightly sweetened with delicate alfalfa honey (two Greek favorites) which is then mixed into fresh goat cheese — tangy with a balanced sweetness and the brightness of coastal sunshine.

Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar
Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar is the world’s first carbon neutral cheddar, named after the family’s grandmother Ivy Clothier, who perfected the recipe in the 1930s. Made with 100% green energy using electricity and gas sourced from solar power and biogas generated from the farm and dairy waste. The award-winning cheese is crafted in Somerset, England at Wyke Farms and is aged up to 18 months to develop a slightly sweet, nutty, creamy complex flavor with a rounded tangy finish.

Royal Hollandia Mediterranean Herb
Imported from Holland, this robust variety merges savory notes of black olives, tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Pair with mixed olives, almonds, roasted red peppers, Pinot Grigio, and IPAs.

​Also exceptional is their Mild Gouda with a mild taste and creamy texture, adding a nice balance to a board filled with strong flavors. Pair with green grapes, almonds, salami, rosé, or amber ale.

Aussie Select – Australian lamb deli meats
Nothing says Greek like lamb! DELIcious all-natural, fully-cooked, pasture-raised Australian lamb in varieties Tikka Masala Lamb Ham, Agave Rosemary Lamb Ham, and Lamb Pastrami  elevate the cold-cut aisle to a gourmet level. These flavorful, minimally-processed meats are naturally lean and tender, and a good source of protein, as well as 13 essential nutrients, including iron, Omega-3, and B vitamins.

Prosciutto di Parma
Tender, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth (no gristle), hands down the best prosciutto you will ever wrap your mouth around. Look for the Parma Crown on the packaging—the five-pointed crown, or “ducal crown,” was originally created to symbolize the Duke of Parma and Piacenza (a town northwest of Parma) but is still used as the coat of arms for the town of Parma today. When you buy Prosciutto di Parma, you don’t have to worry about quality.

Rovagnati – Italy’s #1 charcuterie
Rovagnati charcuterie meats are produced in Italy and brought to the U.S. Italian tradition is carried through its premium range with no-nitrites-ever salamis and cold cuts. The brand features a vast assortment to complement any table.

Monte Pollino North Beach Pepperoni (meat stick)
This traditionally-prepared salami represents the best flavors of the famous North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco.

The meat stick is dry-cured, dense, nitrate and hormone-free, and packed with 7 grams of protein per serving.

Alexian Pâté & Specialty Meats
Duck Liver and Pork Mousse with Cognac will make a luxurious meat addition to your board. The winner of the prestigious Good Food Award in San Francisco, this pâté is incredibly smooth and spreadable. This is just one of the many exceptional foods from this brand.

Hancock Lobster Company Mini Lobster Grilled Cheese – 2023 SOFI Gold Award
Gourmet lobster cooked and shipped to your door. Four-star entertaining has never been this easy. Hancock’s Mini Lobster Grilled Cheese appetizers make a wonderful addition to your board. Made with sweet Maine lobster surrounded by melting cheese and stuffed between slices of sourdough bread, these apps come ready to heat and serve. In addition to more appetizers, entrees, and soups & chowders, Hancock offers delectable lobster gift packages like Mac & Cheese, pot pies, and risotto.

Groix et Nature Sardines with Lobster Oil – The French Farm
Say “Oui” to sardines from Brittany, France that are prepared by hand and delicately marinated with lobster oil (made from grape seed oil in which the cooked lobster shells are infused). These sardines with lobster oil (with 19 grams of protein per 4-ounce can) can be served in a bowl on your board, as well as enjoyed alone or added to a salad or meal. Bon appétit!

Brooklyn Bred from Damascus Bakeries
This precooked Pizza Crust is naturally fermented using 00 flour (perfect for pizza dough) and hearth-baked on a hot stone for extra volume, a light and airy texture, and crispy crust. Sure you can make pizza with it, but because of its thickness, it doubles as fresh bread. Just heat, slice like focaccia, and serve on your board or on the side.
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*Varieties: Traditional, Original, Ancient Grains

Trésors French Butter Crackers with Roquefort & Honey (Epicure Foods Corp) – 2023 New Product SOFI Award
These crackers are a tasty gourmet snack or meze accompaniment. Every little cracker is traditionally baked in France using the renowned French Roquefort PDO blue cheese and a hint of honey.

​Thirty percent real Roquefort is incorporated in the recipe.

Mama’s Hot Roasted Pepper Spread (Max’s Imports) – 2023 SOFI Gold Award
This Macedonian 100 percent all-natural spread is simply made with roasted peppers and eggplant, sunflower oil, and sea salt.
*Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

Cleveland Ketchups & Mustards
Quality and flavor that takes the ordinary out of traditional condiments. Purchase them individually or in sets for gifting! These go well with charcuterie but it doesn’t stop there.
*Cleveland Ketchups top flavors: Bacon & Bourbon (made with real applewood-smoked bacon and a touch of bourbon), Garlic Dill (made with real pickles to satisfy pickle aficionados)
*Cleveland Mustards top flavors: Brown (deli style with a balanced mix of tartness and subtle heat to dress up any food), Gametime (Cleveland-style brown mustard with a bite that pairs perfectly with game-day and tailgate foods)

Lewis Road Creamery – New Zealand Premium Salted Butter – 2023 SOFI Gold Award
Similar to the rich and flavorful butter made in Greece (but available in the U.S), this grass-fed butter is pasture-raised and fed, displaying a deep yellow color that develops from the grass. Made from fresh pure cream with just two ingredients (cream and salt, no water), as nature intended. The non-GMO butter is gently churned and has a velvety taste and texture.
*Other premium varieties: Sea Salt Crystals, Unsalted, Garlic & Chives

Judy Z’s condiments
Add outstanding fresh homemade taste to your board and have everyone asking for the recipe! The originals date back three generations and honor the lady herself, Judy Z.
*Judy Z's Chipotle Mayo (low-carb, gluten-free), Chipotle Light Mayo (low-carb, low-calorie), Chipotle Vegan Mayo (low-carb, low-calorie)
*Judy Z's Garlic Tarragon Salad Dressing (rich, creamy, low cholesterol, non-GMO)
Shop

André’s Confiserie Suisse – Savory Quiche & Sweets
While well known for their sweets, André’s also has a strong savory following for their Signature Quiche, which ships nationally. It comes in two flavors: Quiche Lorraine and Cheese Pie. Just slice and add to your board or serve on the side.

​You could also create a sweets board with their Winter Holiday Collection chocolates/desserts. Be sure to explore the many other delectable products André’s offers!

​Start with chocolate and dessert ideas from André’s Confiserie Suisse (above) and add the below for a sweets board to impress!

Hellenic Farms Fig Salami – 2019 New Product SOFI Award
Add a sliced Fig Salami from this Greek importer to your savory or sweet board and your guests will want to place their own orders. We love the orange-zest variety, as well as smoked paprika, pistachio and pepper, pistachio and cinnamon, almonds and black pepper, and more.

​The salamis are also available in sets of three and five.

Lily Maude’s Bundtlets – 2023 SOFI New Product Award
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Lily Maude's was founded with a mission to reinvent their heritage flour confection recipes when the founder was diagnosed with autoimmune disease and food allergies. So they stripped them of gluten and nuts while keeping the butter, eggs, sugar, and texture intact. Their goal was to produce desserts worthy of a blue-ribbon or Sofi Award. Mission accomplished! These moist, light-and-airy mini bundt cakes are the perfect individual size (no cutting required) and come in a variety of seasonal flavors to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

​From mixing up cocktails, to something deliciously warm to sip by the fire or TV, to worthy alcohol-free options (which are also great for a dry January!), we’ve got it covered!

Runamok Maple
Runamok’s new Maple Grenadine” cocktail mixer (pomegranate, lime, maple sugar) is sweet, tart, and deliciously refreshing. This all-natural grenadine is reminiscent of the original grenadine recipe before artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1) and high-fructose corn syrup were added to the mix. Deliciously nostalgic!
*Add to cocktails, mocktails, seltzers, spritzers, and slushies (check out their recipes)
This family-owned, Vermont-based producer also produces the best maple syrups (for pancakes, cooking/baking, and also for drinks) in a variety of flavors that taste of the holidays (like Cardamom, Cinnamon-Vanilla, and Sparkle) and every other season as well! They have gift packages and pairing collections that will make any maple-syrup aficionado sing their praises!

GuS Grown-Up Soda
Unlike most soda, GuS’s is full of flavor and not overly sweet (it’s lightly sweetened with cane sugar with nothing artificial), has real juice, natural extracts, and no caffeine. Go holiday with Pomegranate or Cranberry Lime, or choose from their many other flavors.
*Drink alone, over ice, or add to cocktails, mocktails, seltzers, and spritzers (check out their recipes)
*Gluten-free and is non-GMO.

Natural Blonde Bloody Mary Mix
Natural Blonde is 91 percent juice using only premium handpicked sun-ripened fresh yellow tomatoes (instead of red) to craft a uniquely perfect sunny Bloody Mary experience. Available in original and Spicy in a variety of sizes, as well as gift sets.
*Add to cocktails or mocktails
*Alcohol-free, all-natural, gluten-free, low sodium, no preservatives, 2-year shelf life (check out their recipes)

ChocolaTea – Global Teas (finest brewed cacao)
This creamy-rich hot chocolate is brewed like coffee and you can drink it hot or cold. A vegan-friendly dark chocolate made from fermented, dried, roasted organic cacao beans is rich in antioxidants, is naturally sugar- and dairy-free and is remarkably delicious. The ChocolaTea Collection is not just about hot chocolate but also merges this distinctive cacao with coffee and tea varieties, including Dark Chocolate, Double Dark Chocolate Dream, Dark Chocolate Magic Coffee, Dark Chocolate Fresh Mint, Dark Chocolate Mocha, Dark Chocolate Chai. Try a Sampler Pack to get the full experience. This is definitely one of our favorite things!

Savannah Bee Company – Roasted Honey Coffee
Well known for their fabulous array of honeys (like our fav, Tupelo), Savannah Bee’s organic coffee lives up to the expectations!

​Arabica coffee beans are gently roasted and coated in the brand's pure golden honey, infusing a subtle, mellow sweetness into this rich, full-bodied coffee. This flavor duet wakes you up while wrapping you in warm-cozy yumminess.

Seraphim Social Beverage Cacao Blend – 2023 SOFI New Product Award
Join the party without the buzz with this nutrient-crafted beverage that gets its intoxicating flavor from natural ingredients with no added sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Plant extracts are infused for wellness in smooth-and-buttery Cacao and healthy-and-happy Cassia blends.
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*Vegan, gluten-free

Abstinence Spirits
Crafted in South Africa, award-winning Abstinence Spirits is a collection of non-alcoholic Italian-style bittersweet Aperitifs & Spritzes. The 1:1 replacements for alcohol makes these ideal for versatile mixing for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, Varieties include Blood Orange Aperitivo Spritz, Lemon Aperitivo Spritz, Cape Spice, Cape Citrus, Cape Floral, and more (check out their recipes).
*Distilled botanical spirits, sugar-free, calorie-free
*Company contributes 1% of annual sales to environmental causes

Fauxmosa
How about some bubbly alcohol-free mimosas? The blend of California grapes, real fruit juice, and botanical flavors with a touch of apple cider vinegar results in a zero-proof, crisp, refreshing champagne taste with half the calories of other ready-to-drink cans.
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*Varieties: Grapefruit Raspberry & Holy Basil, Cranberry Hibiscus & Ginger, Pineapple Lemon & Mint, and Orange Turmeric, as well as a Variety 6-Pack

 
I hope you and those on your guest list enjoy these wonderful products we discovered at the Fancy Food Show. Share your photos in Comments below—we’d love to see your creations. If you have time to prepare, our cookbooks Kukla’s Kouzina: Meze and Spreads & Dips feature some of our favorite holiday recipes!
 
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 © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Following months of tasting and testing, we finally finished reviewing over 100 products from this year’s sold-out Summer Fancy Food Show and have narrowed down our choices to the best of the best to share with you, including Sofi Award winners.
 
The following 12 (as in the 12 Days of Christmas) curated finds will be featured here in two installments starting with Mediterranean Food Gifts (including pantry staples) and will be followed by Mediterranean Charcuterie & Beverages for entertaining. Our picks come from Greece, Italy, France, Ibiza, and Morocco, along with a couple inspired by Greece. As an added bonus, you’ll find items in both posts that can easily cross over between categories covering everything trending for your holiday menus, snacking, and sipping by the fire (or TV). Get ready to be WOWED by some of the most exceptional foods and drinks we’ve sampled!

Molino Dallagiovanna Italian Flour
Flour can make or break a recipe, so its importance goes without saying. Since 1832, this premium Italian brand has been producing a variety of flours specific to each dish, including pizza, bread, pastries, and so much more. Live at the Fancy Food Show, Chef Andrea Clementi demonstrated the making of pizza dough with a final product of Napolitana that was delizioso! These flours are a comparable match to Greek flours and are more easily found in the U.S.
Available at Walmart, Amazon, and Agata & Valentina in New York City

The Spice Lab
This is THE place to shop for all your spice and herb needs. Fresh, innovative, and all-inclusive, The Spice Lab has individual products, as well as gift sets. We love their new Salt, Pepper + Garlic, Garlic Salt, Tellicherry Peppercorns grinder, and Four Pepper Blend grinder. Earning high praise is their Pizza Dust that’s bright and aromatic with sea salt, garlic, onion, tomato, Aleppo pepper, fennel, and nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor that’s dairy-free); sprinkle it on popcorn, eggs, baked potatoes, salad, mac ‘n cheese, rice, veggies, or mix it into bread or biscuit recipes. You can even combine it with olive oil for dipping bread.

Moresh 100% Moroccan Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Morocco was the host country of this year’s Fancy Food Show and the olive oil from the region displayed the richness of the country’s offerings. Grown at the base of the Atlas Mountains, this fresh, sun-kissed oil offers a gentle, balanced flavor that lends fruitiness and depth to dishes. Perfect for cooking, drizzling, dipping, and everyday eating, Moresh adds a flavorful enhancement to your cuisine without being too overpowering. Enjoy the healthy benefits of olive oil without the heavy taste.
(Non-GMO Project Verified, certified Kosher) 

​The following includes individual items to help create a sumptuous holiday basket, as well as prepackaged sets that are perfect for gifting on their own. We listed a selection of products we thought exceptional, but check the company websites to discover all the delectable things they have to offer.

Sal de Ibiza
The products from this Ibiza brand are numerous and offered in a stunning presentation that would in any combination make a delicious gift basket for your hostess or loved one. From traditional and flavored sea salts (including in a mill and ceramic pot) to delicately flavored chips, you’ll want to have one of each!
Chips (potato): La Vie en Rose – 2023 SOFI New Product Award
Chips "La Vie en Rose" is elegantly flavored, crunchy, and has a subtle rose note. The Agria Spanish gourmet potato is kettle fried in virgin sunflower oil and finished with hand-harvested fleur de sel and delicate rose pedal flakes. Quality, tradition, and passion melt together in a stylish pink packaging.
Other chip flavors: Fleur de Sel, White Truffle, Smoky Paprika, Salt & Vinegar
 
Sea Salt: Fleur de Sel La Vie en Rose – 2023 SOFI New Product Award
Made with hand-harvested salt flowers, rose petals, rose buds, and a touch of precious rose oil. Use with lamb and game dishes, or with oriental-inspired meals. As a dessert salt, this pairs well with dark chocolate and ice cream.
Other Sal de Ibiza sea-salt varieties: Granita with Herbs, Mar Blau with Organic Black Garlic, Granita with Chili, Granita with Flowers, Granita with Lemongrass and Ginger, Granita with Green Peppercorn and Lemon
Shop: https://catalangourmet.com/saldeibiza

Kosterina – Greek olive oils and vinegars (recently featured on the Today show)
What’s not to love about this brand?! The flavored olive oils are ideal for salad dressing and marinades. The Dark Chocolate Balsamic is rich and irresistible. The fruit-infused vinegars come in fresh flavors and are mildly acidic. For gift-giving, we found the below to check every box:
Greek Herb & Lemon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Dark Chocolate Balsamic – 2022 SOFI Gold Award
Crushed Fruit Blueberry Vinegar
Crushed Fruit Vinegar Trio (Blueberry, Tangerine, Strawberry): for salads, cocktails
 
The brand also features Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in Organic Everyday (early harvest and cold pressed) and Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil.

Liokareas – Greek olive oils, vinegar, olives; plus a Harvest tour in Greece!
Flavored olive oils are not only delicious but versatile. This brand has a large variety to suit any culinary purpose.
​Our favorites include:
Cold-Fused Oregano Olive Oil
Cold-Fused Basil Olive Oil
Orange Olive Oil
Olive Oil Variety Pack (lemon, orange, basil, garlic, early harvest)

Trésors French Butter Crackers with Roquefort & Honey (Epicure Foods Corp) – 2023 New Product SOFI Award
These crackers are a tasty gourmet snack or meze accompaniment. Every little cracker is traditionally baked in France using the renowned French Roquefort PDO blue cheese and a hint of honey. Thirty percent real Roquefort is incorporated in the recipe.

Solenzi Boscaiola Porcini Vegan Cream Sauce (porcini mushrooms & Champagne porcini)
This bestselling heat-and-serve cream sauce is so luxuriously rich, creamy, and delicious, you’ll never guess it’s dairy free. Serve over pasta, ravioli, fish, poultry, pork, or meat.
(Organic, vegan, clean ingredients, sugar-, dairy-, soy-, nut-, and gluten-free)

Mixed Up Nut Butter
We Greeks love our nuts and this brand’s Craft Nut & Seed Butter varieties are nut butter transported to epicurean status! They have six uniquely delicious flavors, including our picks: Mud Season (coffee, crunchy cacao nib, almond, cashew) and The New Favorite (almond, pecan, cashew). The creative flavor combinations, textures, minimally-processed ingredients, and quality (gluten- and dairy-free, vegan, non-GMO) allow the rich flavors of these nuts and seeds to shine. Spread it on apple slices, toast, crackers, ice cream, or try out recipes on Mixed Up’s site. Gift one of their holiday-collection boxes and you’ll be on the Nice list!

TBJ Gourmet - Bacon Jams
This is your whole-hog bacon JAM: Savory bacon at its jammiest in Greek-inspired Uncured with Figs. And it doesn’t stop there with more mind-blowing flavors, including Classic Uncured, Uncured Black Peppercorn (2017 winner-Fancy Food Show Front Burner Competition), Uncured Sweet Chili, as well as tomato jams, Bacon Chocolate Bar, and seasonings: Smoked Bacon Maple Sugar, Himalayan Ghost Salt, Smoked Bacon Salt.

Festive Chickpeas
Add some “Festive” to your gift baskets with these irresistible chickpeas. From snacking to adding flavor and a healthy crunch to salads, soups, and so much more, these chickpeas stuff 10 grams of protein into every pocket-sized bag and come in crave-satisfying flavors, including sour cream and onion, sweet and smoky BBQ, ranch, mild and fiery spicy, and sea salt. They’re also rich in fiber, iron, potassium with zero trans fats, and are low in calories. Chips just met their match!

7th Heaven Chocolate
(award-winning Best Vegan Chocolate)
In every gift basket should be something sweet and this heavenly brand has Greeks saying “Amen”! All their varieties are silky, delicious, creamy, plant-based milk chocolate that will satisfy any milk-chocolate lover! They’re so good that you’ll never guess they’re vegan. And the Pistachio & Halva Cream snack bar hits the Greek treat sweet spot!
 
Other divine varieties:
Vegan bars: Classic Chocolate Treat, Peanut Butter Cream Chocolate Treat, Caramel and Sea Salt Chocolate Treat, White & Cookies Chocolate Treat, Hazelnut Cream Chocolate Treat
Snack bars: Rice Crisps & Hazelnut Cream, Peanut Butter & Cornflakes, Pistachio & Halva Cream, Caramelized Coconut


I hope you and those on your Nice list enjoy these wonderful edible gifts! Next week we’ll feature more wonderful products from the Fancy Food Show that you can add to your holiday charcuterie board. Our cookbooks Kukla’s Kouzina: Meze and Spreads & Dips can also be nice additions to gift baskets for anyone who loves to cook!
 
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 © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Tomatoes are a favorite in Greece, and not just in Greek salad. This is the perfect time to also enjoy the bountiful harvest in our homemade pasta sauce over Karpathian makarounes. For summer ease, we roasted farm-fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and cheese in one pan, and the extraordinary aroma coming from the oven will fill your kitchen with the promise of an amazing meal about to be served! Our made-from-scratch makarounes pasta recipe follows with do-ahead instructions.
 
The recipe below links to a how-to video on our YouTube cooking series, Flippin’ Greek! ™, to show you how we do it in our kouzina. Join us!
​

​PASTA WITH ROASTED TOMATOES
Jarred pasta sauce and canned tomatoes have met their match! This dish is all about fresh ingredients, like roasted tomatoes, garlic, and Greek cheese! Simple, quick, and delicious. For a sauce this good, you need a pasta that can do it justice, like our homemade Karpathian makarounes (see below), or you can use frozen cavatelli pasta, which is similar to makarounes.
 
KOUZINA TIPS:
1. We use plum or yellow tomatoes because they’re less watery than red tomatoes. If you find your tomatoes are watery, gently squeeze the water out of the slices before placing them in the pan.
2. Cook the pasta the last few minutes of the baking time so that it’s hot when tossing with the tomatoes.
 
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
BAKING TIME: 30 to 40 minutes
SERVINGS: 3 to 4 main / 6 first course
 
Extra-virgin olive oil
10 plum and/or yellow tomatoes, sliced and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus sprig for garnish
4 to 5 cloves garlic, crushed
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Pinch Aleppo pepper
1/4 cup grated kefalograviera cheese (or Parmigiano-Reggiano), plus more for serving
1/4 cup grated myzithra cheese (or Pecorino Romano), plus more for serving
1 recipe Makarounes pasta, recipe follows, or 12 ounces (3/4 lb) frozen cavatelli cooked according to package directions, drained
 
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a large rimmed baking pan, then spread the tomato slices out, drizzle with olive oil, and top evenly with basil, garlic, and season with salt and peppers. Top evenly with cheese. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, until tomatoes are softened.
 
2. Using a fork, mash the tomatoes, then, in a large serving bowl, toss with the hot pasta. Garnish with a basil sprig, if desired, and serve immediately with additional cheese on the side.

​MAKAROUNES
Once you make homemade pasta, it’s hard to go back to store-bought. The fresh flavor and light texture doesn’t leave a heaviness in your stomach and it perfectly complements any delicious topping.
 
PREP TIME: 30 minutes, plus standing
COOKING TIME: 5 to 10 minutes
SERVINGS: 4 main or 6 first course
 
2 2/3 cups fine semolina, plus more for sheet
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
1 cup warm water, divided
 
1. In a large bowl, combine the semolina and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center and add 2/3 cup water to the well. Using a fork or your fingers, gradually start mixing the semolina from the sides into the water until a dough is formed, gradually adding the remaining water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. The dough should be soft but not sticking to your hands. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover completely with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Line 2 large baking sheets with waxed or parchment paper and lightly dust with semolina; set aside.
 
2. Divide the dough into 8 pieces, rewrapping 7. Roll out the remaining piece into a long 1/2-inch-thick rope (if the dough sticks to your work surface, very lightly dust it with flour). If the dough shrinks back when rolling out, let rest for 3 to 5 minutes, then resume rolling. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces.
 
3. Using two fingers, press down firmly into each piece and pull to the other end to create a curl while thinning the pasta (the pasta needs to be thin, about 1/8 inch, to cook properly). You can also do this on a ribbed textured surface to create indentations on the outside that not only look attractive but they also allow sauce to better cling to the pasta. Transfer to prepared sheet, in a single layer with each piece not touching the others. Repeat with the remaining dough. (Can be made ahead. Place the trays of pasta in the freezer for about 1 hour, until completely frozen. Transfer pasta to a heavy-duty resealable plastic storage bag and seal, pressing out air, and freeze up to 4 months. Do not thaw before using. Add an additional 2 to 4 minutes cooking time.)
 
4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Add the makarounes and cook to desired tenderness, 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the pasta. Drain and continue with recipe above.
 
Recipes copyright © Kukla's Kouzina 
 
I hope you enjoy making our summer-tomato pasta as much as we do!
 
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

ABOUT Kukla’s Kouzina Flippin’ Greek! ™
Flippin’ Greek! ™ is our YouTube cooking series featuring familiar non-Greek recipes we flipped to Greek-island style using ingredients and cooking techniques found in Karpathos. Each episode runs 2 to 15 minutes, the perfect length for viewers to quickly learn how to recreate foods and beverages/cocktails right alongside us.

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

The fabulous Greek/Mediterranean foods featured at the Fancy Food Show made such an impression that we’re taking a month to share all the different categories. Whether you’re craving anything from a meze to a libation you’ll find the latest and our most impressive finds right here in this series, continuing with our third installment, beverages (alcoholic and non) and desserts (chocolate almonds and ice cream varieties). The items listed below embody Greece’s iconic flavors, with a dairy-free milk that is the perfect replacement for the cow version in Greek recipes. Shopping and recipe links included!
​

GOGREEK OUZO MINIATURES
Products: Greek-themed ouzo and more

​Say Opa! to cocktails with mini ouzo bottles dressed like the Greek gods and goddesses—Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and more—and add some ancient mythology to your meze hour or hand out as party favors. Each guest can choose their favorite deity and celebrate life the Greek way. These minis are also available in traditional Greek costumes, heroes, and seasonal themes.
 
SHOP

FIGBREW
Products:
*Figgee (caffeine-free): made from pure organic roasted fig
*Mellow Mix (a little caffeine): half-caff fig and coffee 50/50 blend for the best of both worlds—roasted fig offsets the acid for a smooth robust taste.
 
We Greeks love our figs, but in coffee? Oh yes, and the taste will hook you! A satisfying coffee alternative (but you’d never guess!) that’s easy on the stomach with none of the bitterness or caffeine jitters, especially when you want a hot cup in the evening but don’t want to be up all night.
 
Made from figs, this brew is actually healthy for you with antioxidants, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and prebiotics.

SHOP

RIPPLE DAIRY-FREE MILK
Products: Plant-based milk, kid’s milk, half-and-half, protein shakes—all vegan, soy-, gluten-, lactose-, and nut-free
 
Love Greek foods made with milk but they don’t like you? We feel you! After testing recipes with a number of plant-based milks, we finally found one that’s a game changer. Ripple is so close to dairy milk that no one will ever guess you substituted it for the traditional beverage. This is pea-protein, plant-based, dairy-free milk that’s creamy, rich, and satisfying. It tastes, bakes, and cooks like milk with 8g of protein per serving (some recipes require the protein found in dairy but is lacking in most dairy-free milks) and 50% more calcium, more vitamin D, and just half the sugar of 2% dairy milk. Bonus, it’s delicious straight out of the glass!
 
SHOP (sold at Target and most supermarkets)
RECIPES

ANDRÉ’S CONFISERIE SUISSE
Products: Signature Chocolate Almonds, candies, truffles, themed chocolate (currently it’s a chocolate Graduation Owl customized with school colors and a Father’s Day collection that includes a Chocolate Tool Set and Whiskey-Caramel Golf Balls)
 
Family-owned, André’s is rooted in three generations of Swiss-trained confiseurs. While honoring their Swiss tradition, the family is known for bringing their personal passion, ingenuity, and pride to create distinctive chocolate experiences for the community that has made André’s a Kansas City gem for more than 65 years. One of our favorite distinctive chocolate experiences is André’s signature almonds, a crossover Greek staple made more exquisite with chocolate. Coufeta were never this delectable.
 
This confection features fresh roasted nonpareil almonds and premium cocoa, created using a multi-step process: Almonds are roasted to a golden brown, delicately caramelized then coated with André’s Signature Swiss milk chocolate (covered in powdered sugar) or dark chocolate (covered in cocoa powder). For the chocolate purist, there’s an extra-dark (80%) chocolate version. It's the ultimate amount of crunch and decadent chocolate coating.
 
SHOP

NOONA’S ICE CREAM
Products: Dairy and vegan ice cream
 
Award-winning Noona’s was created in 2016, launching an Asian-American ice cream and dairy-free frozen desserts brand that incorporated classic Asian flavors into their recipes. We were pleasantly surprised to discover one of their flavors (Noona’s favorite) tasted uniquely Greek, their vegan Black Sesame (mavrosisamo, μαυροσíσαμο)—Nutty and bittersweet (with a hint of chocolate), the roasted organic black sesame seeds are stone ground into a paste and blended into fresh coconut cream (also available in a dairy version).
 
Noona’s dairy is sourced from humanely raised cows, is hormone- and antibiotic-free, and from farms in Upstate New York. All of their products contain whole foods and non-GMO ingredients. Vegan-friendly options are 100% vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free, made with organic coconut milk.
 
SHOP

DEL’S DAIRY FARM ICE CREAM
Products: Farm-fresh ice cream
 
Del’s, a small batch New York Hudson Valley creamery has created an exquisite collection of small-batch, farm-fresh ice creams that resemble the quality that, up until now, we could only find in Greece.
 
Get your kefi on with their Lavender Honey Blueberry, or explore the more exotic floral Hibiscus, Salted Caramel Stroopwafel, and Maple Snickerdoodle. For ice cream fun, there’s Peanut Butter Cup, Coffee Toffee, Lemon Poppyseed, and Mint Brownie Swirl. And to not leave out the more traditional, Dutchess Chocolate & Chip, Sweet Cream Vanilla, Cookies n’ Cream, and fresh-picked Strawberry are rich, bright, and fresh. Locally-sourced, fresh, and fabulous!
 
SHOP


Many Greek/Mediterranean liquor shops carry the ouzo but if yours doesn’t, ask them if they can order it for you (or you can Google it). You can order most of the other products from the company websites or contact them for shopping info in your area.
 
Enjoy these new and trending edibles! If you missed the last two installments, here are the links: Trending Edibles: Meze  and Trending Edibles: Pantry Staples.
 
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 © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / Flippin’ Greek!™ / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

The fabulous Greek/Mediterranean foods trending today, including those featured at the Fancy Food Show, made such an impression that we’re taking a month to share all the different categories. Whether you’re craving anything from a meze to a libation you’ll find the latest and our most impressive finds right here in this series, continuing with our second installment, Pantry Staples—extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and spices. Most of the items listed below are either produced in Greece or embody the homeland’s iconic flavors. Shopping and recipe links included!
​

MENTIS ESTATE
Products: Mentis Estate’s premium Extra-Virgin Athenolia Olive Oil and Fleur de Sel sea salt from Laconia, Greece—both of which elevate any dining experience to five-star perfection.
 
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A pure, unblended olive oil harvested from just one olive variety, the renowned Athenolia, with an acidity of less than 0.5%. Well-balanced aromatic characteristics described as pine, floral, nutty, fruity, buttery, and pungent, with a hint of artichoke. Use as luscious dipping oil, drizzle over a salad, or as a finishing touch to heighten the flavor of any dish.
 
Fleur de Sel (“flower of salt”): Mentis premium, medium-grain Fleur de Sel is 100% hand-harvested using artisanal methods to produce the finest quality sea salt with its full compliment of minerals and the delicate taste of the Mediterranean Sea. Its nuanced and delicate flavor with a flakey, subtle crunch sets this above regular sea salt. It’s also excellent as a finishing condiment over salads, vegetables, and any type of meat or fish. And, yes, it beautifully finishes a dessert (especially chocolate). Locally harvested salt is a unique way to experience the rare and complex flavor of a region and the essence of a country.
 
For more about Mentis Estate, see our Olive Oil: Branch to Bottle blog.
 
SHOP
Mentis Estate products are available in gourmet shops and online.

​FANCY PEASANT
Products: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil from Lechaina, West Peloponnese, Greek Mountain Oregano Salt
 
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This olive oil is made from 100% Koroneiki olives from Fancy Peasant’s olive groves near the Ionian Sea in Lechaina, West Peloponnese. The olives are grown at a specific height above sea level, providing a unique microclimate for premium quality extra-virgin olive oil that has a vivid green color and strong aroma. This Koroneiki Greek varietal, known as the “queen of olives,” is named after the nearby region Koroni. Fancy Peasant uses organic farming methods, harvesting early in the season when the olives are young and green. All olives are handpicked to ensure each olive used is in its ideal life cycle, with the oil extracted same day. The result is 100% extra-virgin olive oil filled with antioxidants that add healthy flavor to food.
 
Greek Mountain Oregano Salt: This flavorful blend of Greek mountain oregano, orange peel, lemon peel, crushed chili pepper, parsley, Mediterranean sea salt, and black pepper makes it the perfect companion to Fancy Peasant’s olive oil—serve as a dipping oil or to flavor meat, fish, or vegetables.
 
SHOP
Olive oil, oregano-salt, and more

RECIPES

776 DELUXE FOODS
Products: This Greek brand’s fabulous products are now available in the U.S., led by their Award-winning extra-virgin olive oil and Greek honeys (Chios mastic, thyme).
 
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil PGI Olympia: 776 Greek Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is produced from select family-owned mature olive groves in the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) appellation of greater Olympia. The product of two olive varietals specific to Olympia, Koroneiki 90% and Kolireiki 10%, it’s blended to create a beautifully balanced taste.
Carefully harvested by hand from November through January, the olives are then cold-pressed the same day to extract the best quality olive oil leaving the aromas and flavor unaltered.

Honey & Chios Mastic (2022 Sofi Gold Award winner from the Specialty Food Association): Greek honey infused with mastiha, the resin from the Mastic tree, adds a pleasant herbal, pine aroma to the honey. Enjoy by the spoonful or use it in a vinaigrette or mixed with lemonade.

Thyme Honey: Amber colored with a distinctive taste and aroma, this honey comes from the island of Crete. The large percentage of thyme it contains makes it particularly fragrant with unique characteristics.

SHOP
776 products
Shopping-location info
 
RECIPES

KROKOS KOZANIS
Products: Greek Red Saffron in a variety of sizes and gift sets
 
The only saffron-cultivated area in Greece is the region of Kozani, in some villages of which there has been systematic cultivation for many years. Following the threat of saffron’s complete disappearance during the early postwar years (1941-1950), it now covers about 500 acres—250 of which is land used for organic cultivation—distributed throughout the land areas of Kozani. In recent years, the annual production was around 3,000 to 4,000kg of red saffron. Add this treasured Greek saffron to your own dishes and make them shine!
 
SHOP
Krokos Kozanis Greek Red Saffron on Amazon

RECIPES

THE SPICE LAB
Products: Spices, herbs, sugars, seasonings, rubs, gift sets, and so much more, including our faves, Mediterranean/Italian Collection and Pizza Dust
 
The company’s huge variety of inspiring products is unsurpassed, especially their international seasoning collections, including our favorite Mediterranean/Italian Collection of Southern European flavors: Mediterranean Citrus Greek Seasoning, Spicy Italian Sun-Dried Tomato, Spicy Sicilian Seasoning, and Salt-Free Italian Seasoning. Each bottle adds the ideal Mediterranean stamp on meatballs, pasta, pizza, bread-dipping oil, and more with just a shake (instead of measuring out numerous ingredients).
 
Also fabulous is their Taste of America Collection (Key West Seafood, Everything and More, Nashville Hot Chicken, Chicago Chop Seasoning) and Grilling Collection (Bad to the Bone, Smoky Pecan Seasoning, Sweet Rib Rub, Ancho Chili & Coffee Rub).
 
Also try their standout Pizza Dust (from their new Ceramic Grinder collection) to pizza-inspire just about every dish: grind over scrambled eggs, French fries, rice, and garlic bread, or season proteins before roasting or grilling.
 
SHOP
Mediterranean/Italian Collection
Taste of America Collection
Grilling Collection
Pizza Dust

RECIPES
​

Greek/Mediterranean markets carry some of these products but if yours doesn’t, ask them if they can order them for you. Feel free to contact the companies through their websites for shopping info in your area. Some items are available online (Google it). Mediterranean Foods and Titan Foods carry all things Greek and ship nationwide (call them if you don’t see what you want on their websites).

Enjoy tasting and cooking with these new and trending foods! If you missed last week’s installment, here’s the link: Trending Edibles: Meze.
 
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 when we’ll explore what’s trending in beverages and desserts!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

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

The fabulous Greek/Mediterranean foods featured at the Fancy Food Show made such an impression that we’re taking a month to share all the different categories. Whether you’re craving anything from a meze to a libation you’ll find the latest and our most impressive finds right here in this series, starting with meze/appetizers—think savory dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), zesty za’atar snacks, crunchy almonds, and home-style croutons. Most of the items listed below are either produced in Greece or embody the homeland’s iconic flavors. Shopping and recipe links included!
​

​PALIRRIA DOLMA
Products: Stuffed Vine Leaves with Rice & Herbs, Sweet & Spicy Dolmas

This brand of canned vine-leaf dolmadakia are the most flavorful we’ve ever had. The traditional with rice-and-herbs variety is savory and fresh, and the sweet-and-spicy is an addictive meze with a pleasant kick. To serve as a meze, plate them and drizzle with fresh lemon juice or avgolemono sauce, then toss the cans and let your guests think you made them yourself. Seriously!
 
SHOP
The Stuffed Vine Leaves with Rice & Herbs variety is sold at Trader Joe’s under the Trader Joe’s brand name, as well as online.
Sweet & Spicy Dolmas is sold at Greek grocery stores and online.

​ZESTY-Z
Products: Zesty Z Mediterranean-inspired popcorn, Mediterranean seasonings

The first ever Mediterranean popcorn line comes from Zesty Z in Feta Cheese, Organic Olive Oil, Honey Sea Salt, and Spicy Chilies flavors. Snacking just got a whole lot more Zesty!
 
Zesty Z’s incredibly versatile za’atar seasoning—a blend of wild Mediterranean thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt—dresses up just about any meal. If you’re in a tangy and savory mood, flavor with their Mediterranean Everything Bagel seasoning.
 
SHOP
Zesty Z is widely available (select Whole Foods and Costco stores carry their products). Check their Store Locator for shopping near you or shop online.
RECIPES

DAILY CRUNCH SPROUTED ALMONDS
Products: Original Sprouted Almonds, cinnamon-flavored Coffee + Coconut nut medley (with almonds and cashews), Cacao + Sea Salt Sprouted Almonds, or Nashville Hot (Sprouted Almonds with a serious kick), as well as medleys (think crunchy trail mix)
 
Sprouted almonds are almonds soaked in water for a long period of time, which causes them to “sprout.” The result: easier to digest, more nutrient dense, and crunchier almonds. No added oil or sugar, these snacks are vegan, keto, paleo, and gluten-free. Oh, and the flavors are off-the-charts amazing!
 
SHOP
RECIPES

OLIVIA’S CROUTONS
Products: Butter & Garlic, Gluten-Free Garlic, Organic Garlic & Herb, Parmesan Pepper, Multigrain with Garlic, and three stuffing varieties (Traditional, Cornbread, and Gluten-Free)
 
From home kitchen in 1991 to today’s 36,000 square foot facility in Brandon, Vermont, this women-owned crouton business started with the Butter-and-Garlic flavor that was sold in hand-stamped brown bags. The croutons have now expanded to include organic, gluten-free, and multigrain croutons and stuffing.
 
These croutons taste fresh as homemade with flavors that complement any first-course meze. The Gluten-Free Garlic is the perfect addition to a Greek salad!
 
SHOP & STORE LOCATOR
RECIPES


​Greek/Mediterranean markets carry some of these products but if yours doesn’t, ask them if they can order them for you. Feel free to contact the companies through their websites for shopping info in your area. Some items are available online (Google it). Mediterranean Foods and Titan Foods carry all things Greek and ship nationwide (call them if you don’t see what you want on their websites).

Enjoy tasting and cooking with these new and trending 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 when we'll explore what's trending in kitchen staples (olive oil, honey, and spices)!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

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

It’s our 10-year anniversary and we’re basking in the glow of all we’ve accomplished, as well as the many treats we still have up our sleeves. The number 10 symbolizes one coming out of abundance. An abundance of food, recipes, creativity, hard work, and lots of love gave birth to Kukla’s Kouzina—a home to hundreds and hundreds of blogs and recipes, two cookbooks, and a fun cooking series, Flippin’ Greek! ™—and a decade of deliciousness to celebrate!
 
We’re marking this milestone occasion with one of our favorite dessert recipes, Greek Ekmek Kataifi (custard and whipped-cream over a syruped kataifi-phyllo crust)—it’s our way of saying thank you for your support, follows, likes, comments, and views. This pastry is perfect for any special occasion, so step into our kouzina and lets bake up a commemorative sweet!

EKMEK KATAIFI (Εκμέκ καταΐφι)
Kataifi is shredded phyllo dough that’s featured in a number of Greek pastries and savory dishes. It’s similar to the texture of shredded coconut and comes in long strands. This phyllo is incredibly easy to work with and makes the perfect crust for this lusciously creamy custard dessert. There are three layers to this pastry and all can be made ahead and stored separately until you’re ready to assemble.

KOUZINA TIPS:
*Leave the kataifi dough out at room temperature for 1 hour before opening the package and unrolling (if frozen, first thaw overnight in the refrigerator). This will soften the dough, making it pliable and easy to work with.
*For the whipped cream, it’s important that the mixing bowl, beaters, and cream are well chilled before whipping to ensure a proper result.
 
PREP TIME  40 minutes plus standing and chilling
COOKING/BAKING TIME  50 minutes
SERVES  8 to 10
 
KATAIFI CRUST
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon more for pan
9 ounces kataifi dough, at room temperature (if frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature)
4 ounces unsalted pistachios (about 2/3 cup), chopped, lightly toasted
 
SYRUP
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
Peel from half a lemon
1 small cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon Greek brandy (optional)
 
CUSTARD
5 large egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
4 cups whole milk, divided
10 tablespoons cornstarch
Peel from half an orange
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
Small pinch vanilia (crystalized vanilla) or 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 
WHIPPED CREAM
2 cups heavy cream, cold
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*
GARNISH (your choice)
1 cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped unsalted pistachios, lightly toasted
Assorted berries
Confectioners’ sugar
 
1. Make crust: Heat oven to 325°F and arrange rack in center. Lightly butter the bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Remove the kataifi dough from the packaging, unroll, and separate the strands, breaking up any clumps while fluffing it up. Spread half of the dough in the bottom of the prepared pan, sprinkle with half of the nuts, and evenly drizzle with half of the butter. Repeat with the remaining dough, nuts, and butter. Bake about 30 minutes, until golden throughout.
 
2. Meanwhile, make syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, without stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir in the brandy (if using) and simmer 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
 
3. As soon as the crust is removed from the oven, evenly pour the lukewarm syrup over the hot crust and let cool completely. (Can be made ahead. Cool completely, then cover pan with plastic wrap and store at room temperature overnight.)
 
4. Make custard: In a large heatproof bowl, lightly whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until combined and lightened. In a cup, stir together 1/2 cup milk and the cornstarch until the cornstarch has dissolved. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the yolk mixture until the sugar has dissolved. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the remaining 3 1/2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and the orange peel. Heat just to a boil and remove from heat. Gradually whisk a couple of ladles of hot milk mixture into the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly, until combined (to temper the eggs). Whisk this back into the remaining hot mixture in the pan until combined well. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened to the consistency of a custard, about 5 minutes (breaking up any lumps with the back of the spoon). Remove from heat, discard the peel, and stir in the butter and vanilia/vanilla until combined well.
 
5. Pour the hot custard over the crust and, using an offset spatula, evenly spread to the edges of the pan. Cover the custard directly with plastic wrap so that it’s touching the entire surface of the custard. This will keep the custard from forming a skin. Let cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
 
6. Make whipped cream: In a chilled mixing bowl with chilled beaters, beat together the cold heavy cream, the confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla on high speed to stiff peaks (do not overbeat), 2 to 3 minutes. (Can be made ahead. Cover and refrigerate overnight.)
 
7. To assemble: Remove the plastic wrap from the surface of the custard. Using an offset spatula, evenly spread the whipped cream over the custard to the edges (for a an elegant presentation, place whipped cream in a piping bag fitted with a large [closed or open] star tip and pipe star shapes over the surface of the custard, covering completely). Top with your favorite garnish (we used toasted coconut and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar); if you’re using fresh fruit, garnish up to an hour before serving, as the juices can water down the whipped cream. (Can be made ahead. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.) Serve chilled for easier cutting.
 
Recipe © copyright Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style, kuklaskouzina.com
 
I hope you enjoy our Ekmek Kataifi recipe and that you make it to celebrate the special occasions in your life! For more about our journey to 10 years of deliciousness, check out our blogs: Growing Up In Kukla’s Kouzina and Kukla’s Kouzina~Coming Full Circle.
 
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 © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

This week’s Karpathos destination is the eateries of this inimitable island. We’re going to take you to the best tavernas and restaurants in Karpathos where the foods we talked about last week leap off the menus, and the hosts make you feel right at home. When it comes to eating out, Karpathos is all about scrumptious meals and wholehearted hospitality!

If you’re wondering what the difference is between a taverna and a restaurant, here’s the bottom line: A taverna is basically a casual eatery with a well-stocked bar that serves ouzo, Metaxa, etc., and has live music (usually at night and into the wee hours). A restaurant can be more formal and may or may not have music. Some tavernas call themselves restaurants and vice versa. And some call themselves BOTH! Confused? Don’t be. You’ll figure out what it is when you see it. When in Greece, just go with the flow! 

Follow us for a tour of some of the notable tavernas and restaurants in Karpathos and see if you can pick a favorite…we dare you! 

Price guide: L (low), M (moderate)
​

These were the tavernas and restaurants that received high marks for food, atmosphere, cost, and hospitality. We also put together a slideshow (below) of tavernas and restaurants that deserve honorable mention~plus they're really pretty!

For more Karpathos taverna/restaurant listings check TripAdvisor.com. It’s the only organized online list at the moment. Note that the town attributions aren’t always correct and their rating system is a bit off, so click on the individual restaurant listings and read the comment section for reviews, and to see which town they’re actually in.

I hope you found your kefi (food or feline) in our Karpathos taverna tour. To try a popular taverna specialty, see our recipe for Kritamo Toursi in our blog Pickling~Greek Island Style. For more on Greek-island cooking, check out our blog Greek Cooking with a Karpathos Island Twist. Stay tuned for more segments on the island's history and culture! If there's anything you'd like to know about Karpathos or its foods, let us know and maybe we'll do an entire blog on it.

Our new cookbooks Kukla’s Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style, Meze (Appetizers & Petite Plates) and Spreads & Dips are available on Amazon. These are the first two books in a series that we have developed and we’re excited to see this dream become reality! For details about the books and us, go to our BOOKS page. Meze and Spreads & Dips will complete their gourmet journey when they arrive in your home!

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

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Summer begs for an island getaway, so this week we're taking a little break from food and celebrating the many ways Karpathos can "wet" your appetite. Our virtual guide will take you there and will give you a sneak peak into the best-kept secret in the Aegean. 

Kukla’s Kouzina was born in Karpathos, so come visit with us and find out about the inspiration that makes our style of cooking so unique and delicious!

One of the few unspoiled isles in the Aegean and a utopia of culinary delights, Karpathos—the second largest island of the Dodecanese chain, nestled between its more renowned neighbors Crete and Rhodes—is one of the most breathtaking islands in Greece. 

Surprisingly, this island only started to appear on tourist’s radar about 10 years ago. The oversaturation of tourism to popular isles like Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini no doubt led people on a road of discovery in search of a less congested place of natural beauty, authentic, picturesque villages, and exotic beaches. 

Apella Beach in Karpathos was rated #1 in Europe’s Best Beaches in 2003, so it’s no surprise that this island paradise is predominantly famous for its exotic golden-sand and crystal sapphire-water beaches. The dramatic mountainous backdrop completes an ambiance to inspire wonder. Secluded beaches are seeded throughout the island, many giving visitors the impression that they are the first to step onto these irresistible shores and escape into their hidden coves.

There are a number of great beaches on Karpathos and there just isn’t enough time to list them all, so we chose the top 10 among natives and visitors, along with details for each. Somewhere in this group there’s a beach made for you!

TIPS: A beach must is to halfway fill a large bottle of water, freeze, then fill the rest of the bottle with cold water and take it with you to stay hydrated. Pack snacks and lunch if you’d like to save on eating out and take along a blanket and towel if you want to avoid the expense of rentals. And don't forget the sunscreen! 

There are many more beaches to enjoy in Karpathos, so your best course of action would be to take a drive, follow a road, and see where it ends. You’ll discover that paradise awaits you at every turn!

Although not a party island like Mykonos, Karpathos has a lot more to offer, especially if you’re on the active side. Over the last few years, Karpathos has turned into a sports-enthusiast’s mecca with ideal conditions in various island locations for a number of water sports (including windsurfing and diving), and land activities (like rock climbing and hiking). Tours and classes are available for beginners to advanced. Following is an overview of the fun that awaits you:

Many tourists have become addicted to Karpathos. The “repeaters” return year after year, sometimes twice a year, because of the beauty, activities, hospitality, and relaxed ambiance of this remarkable island. Are you ready for your journey of discovery?

We hope you enjoyed your first peak into the summertime beauty, sun, and fun of Karpathos. Stay tuned for more segments on the island's history, food, and culture!

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 for a look at the foods of Karpathos!

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly

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

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos