Melt-in-your-mouth Smyrneika Soutzoukakia are comforting meatballs with notes of cinnamon and cumin in a luscious, thick tomato sauce. ‘Σουτζουκακια σμυρνεικα’ originate from the Greeks of Smyrna, Turkey (now named Izmir). What makes these Middle-Eastern Spiced meatballs a favourite is the rich and hearty depth of flavour enhanced by the cinnamon and cumin. The meatballs are…
Tiropitakia with Dill & Mint Hand-pies | tiropites
Tiropitakia or Tiropites are found displayed at Greek friend and family gatherings and celebrations. They are so easy to make and what is wonderful about these little ‘tiropitakia’ they store well in the freezer, ready to bake when needed. The word greek word ‘Tiropitakia’ translates to ‘little cheese pies’ but technically speaking they are ‘little…
Coffee Date Cake with Espresso Icing
A deliciously moist cake with espresso-soaked dates, scattered walnuts and a silky espresso glaze. For the coffee addition, I like to use freshly brewed espresso coffee from the coffee machine. You can get away with using instant coffee in the cake itself, but you will certainly appreciate using freshly brewed coffee in the glaze. This…
A Stunning Upside-down Citrus Cake
This lemon and orange Citrus upside down cake is The Winter Teacake you have been searching for. The gorgeous caramelized lemon and orange slices capture the sunlight and bounce off a gorgeous golden hue. What better way, than to serve up a little sunshine on a cool winters’ day don’t you think? I have used…
Vegetarian Split-Pea Soup
This flavourful and warming split-pea soup is made from yellow split peas, a handful of spices, simmered and blended to a creamy smooth consistency. No ham hocks, or complicated straining. Greek split-pea soup is made in a similar fashion, except for the addition of the spices here. A pleasure to make on this particular day, …
Charred Eggplant with Fresh Za’atar Rub yogurt tahini dressing
Grilled charred eggplant is a staple in our home. Its firm skin protects its creamy interior and will absorb any flavouring you add to it during the cooking process. Inspired by Za’tar, a middle-eastern thyme- and sesame- based spice blend, have instead used freshly picked thyme & oregano, blended the leaves with toasted sesame seeds…
Lemon and Almond Jam (no pectin and not marmalade)
Add a little sunshine to your mornings with this lemon jam. This lemon and almond jam has a little zing and is not as sweet as others. Perfect for those who have a weakness for anything lemon. Autumn is a special time of the year. Looking out my kitchen window I can slowly see the…
Baked Basil and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
A hearty and comforting vegetarian pasta meal easy to prepare. Giant pasta shells are filled with a pillowy light cheese sauce flavoured with plentiful of fresh basil, resting over a hearty tomato sauce. I won’t like this recipe calls for a lot of basil. In fact, normally you would find spinach is used with the…
Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken and Eggplant Stack
If your a lover of Mediterranean food, this dish features two Mediterranean staples – the eggplant and tomato. Eggplants and tomatoes spell summer, and to me, it is not summer without eggplants or tomatoes accompanied in a dish. Eggplants are grown in my garden every summer, as did at my greek mothers garden, and my…
Chocolate biscotti, two-toned
Can’t make up your mind whether you like a chocolate or vanilla biscotti? Make this two-toned Vanilla and Cocoa Biscotti, then roll into one log, baked and cut into pieces. They are finally baked again, to make a tender, easy to eat Biscotti perfect for your next tea or coffee. As they are not…
Dukkah-Spiced Pumpkin and Haloumi Salad
A hearty winter salad of roasted pumpkin and capsicum, halloumi, rocket, corn with Crunchy Dukkah seasoning. This salad, will not disappoint served as a side, or a filling lunchtime meal. This Pumpkin and Haloumi Salad with Dukkah will add vibrance and warmth to your meal during the cooler months and will keep you nutrient loaded…
Greek Chickpea Soup, ρεβιθια σουπα με λεμονι
This Greek Chickpea Soup is ideal for when the days are starting to shorten, become colder and the evenings are chilly. It is a satisfying and heartwarming dish which happens to have an impressive nutritional profile perfect for also warding off the seasonal cold and flu. This stew has a creamy texture, simmered with base…
