Kέρασμα … Kοπεγχάγη — Birthday Treat

Today’s my birthday! Another year older … but still feeling, hmmm, I’d say about 25. To celebrate, I’m offering you all this treat, the act of which is known as Kέρασμα (kerasma)  in Greek. What is this delicious, syrupy, nutty, phyllo-topped delight? Well, in Greek it is known as Kοπεγχάγη (ko-peg-hagi), which translates to Copenhagen. Huh?!?!?!? Believe me I am as confused as you as I don’t know the meaning behind the name of this dessert, although I would love to find out just why it was christened this way.

Eκμέκ Κανταΐφι — Ekmek Kataifi

  I’ve been meaning to post this recipe for days and as such would like to apologize for the long lapse in posts the last week or so. Without further ado, I’d like to offer you what is probably my favorite dessert–EVER–and which I revamped slightly to include the unique flavor of Mastiha. I am not sure of the history of Ekmek Kataifi and I can only hypothesize that it is a dessert combining Greek and Turkish influences.

Πορτοκαλόπιτα (Orange Pie)

When I was in Greece this summer, my father-in-law phoned from work one morning to say that his co-worker had earlier described a Greek dessert he himself never heard of and he was wondering if even I had ever come across this sweet. It turns out I had never tasted or quite frankly even heard of it either but when I asked my husband’s aunt later in the day if she had, she quickly pulled out her journal of recipes and promptly began reciting the ingredients needed to make the citrus-flavored dessert, Πορτοκαλόπιτα (portokalopita: orange pie).

Melomakarona/Finikia

For Greeks, whichever corner of the world they may be residing, the Christmas holidays mean lots of kourambiedes and melomakarona, two traditional Greek cookies/sweets. Kourambiedes (almond cookies dusted in powdered sugar) and melomakarona (syrup-soaked cookies often made with walnuts) scream Christmas loud and clear for me, just as gingerbread or fruitcake do for others.

Pumpkin Rizogalo

Pumpkin pie is certainly an important part of an American Thanksgiving … it’s the day’s quintessential dessert and frankly, Thanksgiving just doesn’t feel right without this sweet, spice-laced pie gracing our humble table. But for those that aren’t so enthusiastic about traditional pumpkin pie, there are some great alternatives. Pumpkin and Coconut Milk Panna Cotta anyone? Or how about this Pumpkin Rizogalo (that’s Greek for rice pudding)? For me, rizogalo is one of those food items that brings back a flood of memories and emotions. One

Keik me Tahini kai Banana–Tahini and Banana Cake with Chocolate Chip Streusel

There’s something about a streusel topping that makes people feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It must be all that brown sugar and cinnamon. Add some walnuts and a handful of chocolate chips … now you’ve got a little piece of heaven in every bite. I made this cake last week and I couldn’t stop eating it. Not to toot my own horn or anything … but neither could my husband; or our children; not to mention my mom enjoyed it too; oh, and a friend who’d stopped by for a quick cup of coffee said it should be selling in a bakery. And do