Moussaka Burgers

Yes, moussaka may be a bit cliche, if you will. For more than a few people it is the mascot of Greek cuisine. And sure, Anthony Bourdain may have slammed moussaka during his Greek Islands episode of No Reservations a couple of years ago–if I recall correctly he likened “the casserole” to a “brick”–but it’s still one of my favorite foods (and of course my mom’s version has a special place in my heart). But this post has nothing to do with the classic Greek Moussaka. We’re talking burgers here instead. 

Foodbuzz 24×24: Grilling Greek

Memorial Day: the last Monday in May, a day of remembrance for those who died in our nation’s service, the official opening of our beaches and the unofficial start of summer. And nothing says summer like an All-American barbecue. So for this month’s Foodbuzz 24×24 event, we decided to “unofficially” usher in the new season by Grilling Greek to honor our Greek-American roots. Friends and family gathered in the yard yesterday where we enjoyed the warm weather by grilling some Greek-inspired dishes.

Mediterranean Burgers

Sometimes a girl has to quench her craving for a good burger, right? That doesn”t necessarily mean hitting the local fast food joint though …  on the contrary, for me it means whipping up some flavorful burgers right here at home. My latest creation: these Mediterranean Burgers packed with tangy Kalamata olives, fresh herbs and savory beef. These burgers were GOOD. Seriously, they were.

Μουούρι — Easter Lamb (from Kalymnos)

For now, Greek custom dictates exchanging the wish Καλή Ανάσταση (pronounced ka-li  a-na-sta-si) or Καλό Πάσχα (pronounced ka-lo  Pa-scha) with others, but on Saturday night as the clock strikes 12 a.m. and Holy/Great Saturday gives way to Easter Sunday, all will be exclaiming, Χριστός Ανέστη (Christ has Risen)! 

Pork Braised with White Wine — Χοιρινό στη Γάστρα με Λευκό Kρασί

Pork loin? Pork butt? Pork shoulder picnic? Tenderloin? Loin chops?  Pork leg? Pork riblets? What’s your favorite cut? I’m a pork country-style rib kinda girl myself. Oh, and the tenderloin cut is pretty darn good … and let’s not forget the shoulder picnic cut that when roasted to divine tenderness is sheer perfection.

Magical Mastiha … Entree

My Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24 event continued with a main course of pan-seared lamb loin chops served with a creamy, tangy and oh so buttery mastiha-infused Bearnaise … well, actually a Bearnaise short-cut. I read about a Bearnaise Butter on Epicurious.com and decided a version flavored with mastiha would be an ideal accompaniment for simple lamb chops. Served with fresh vegetables and some crusty bread it was all we needed for a satisfying meal. Pan Grilled Lamb Chops with a Mastiha Bearnaise Butter 2 racks lamb loin, 2.5 lbs each Salt and freshly ground pepper, to