Three Bean Chipotle Dip

This summer, back in July, I submitted a recipe to Marx Foods that used some petite golden lentils they’d sent me to test-drive for a friendly blogger contest and well, I won! As my reward, the very kind proprietors of Marx Foods sent me 7 large containers of heirloom beans, in my opinion “exotic” beans, six of which I have never even cooked with before. I was in Greece at the time and my husband was the one who received the package … needless to say I was MUCH more excited to hear what I’d won than he was … he just called me in

Dandelion Greens with Roasted Parsnip & Turnip Skordalia

Horta, or wild greens, are a staple in the Greek diet. There are tons of varieties all of which are most often boiled and served drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. But most Greeks also enjoy eating these greens with a dollop of pungent skordalia, that ever-so garlicky Greek dip made with potatoes or bread.

Tyrokafteri — Τυροκαυτερή

One of my favorite Greek spreads/dips is a spicy combination of Feta and peppers whipped to heavenly smoothness and served with slices of crusty bread or toasted pita triangles. Known as tyrokafteri, this dip comes in many forms as some prepare it with spicy green peppers, others with red; some with yogurt, others without; and still some with additional cheeses, while others with just quality Feta.

Ouzo Mezedes, Part I

For my Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: Greek Ouzo Tasting … in New York, I wanted to “abide” by the traditional way of serving ouzo: alongside an array of mezedes to help ease down the strong aperitif. Htapodokeftedes (octopus croquettes) are a delicacy on the island of Kalymnos, from which my family hails. I’ve enjoyed htapodokeftedes on the island a number of times but never anywhere else. This was my first time making them at home, but definitely not my last … these flavorful mezedes were much easier than they seem and a hit with our guests. I also

Kathara Deutera (Clean Monday)

Kathara Deutera (Clean Monday) symbolizes the start of Lent for Orthodox Christians and is an important day in the Greek Orthodox faith. A day that prompts us all to eat simple, very traditional Greek fare, Kathara Deutera is meant to cleanse the body and spirit in preparation for Easter and is one of the many celebrations leading up to this important holiday that help us carry on precious customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation of Greeks found all around the world. On this day, my family–as most Greek families–begins the Great

Duo of Dips — Roasted Red Pepper and Feta & Lemony Chickpea and Thyme

When entertaining I find the easiest option to include in a spread of appetizers is a tasty dip accompanied by toasted pita triangles, crispy bread rounds or zesty crackers. There are, of course, endless possibilities from melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), to kopanisti (Greek cheese dip), to kafteri (spicy Greek feta dip), to tzatziki (the well-known yogurt/cucumber/garlic dip, although chatty guests and garlic aren’t a very good mix), to traditional hummus or two of my favorites, a flavorful roasted red pepper and feta dip and a lemony chickpea and thyme