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redsoxdw_

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It's often challenging to find all the cheeses I want outside of Greece. I love Greek cheese, and my love for it extends well past feta cheese, though a great feta is one of my favorites. I thought I would make a list of my favorite Greek cheeses that I love to use in cooking (and eat by themselves) that I can more easily find outside of Greece.

1. Feta Cheese: Let's start with the most well-known Greek cheese - Feta. It is one of the most versatile cheeses, and also one of the easiest to find outside of Greece. Feta crumbles effortlessly and has a tangy, salty flavor that pairs excellently with salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Use Feta in your cooking to add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

2. Kefalotyri Cheese: Kefalotyri is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a nutty and salty taste that resembles Pecorino Romano. Kefalotyri is commonly used in Greek dishes like Saganaki, where it is fried and served with a squeeze of lemon. Use it as a substitute for Parmesan or Pecorino in your Italian-inspired dishes.

3. Halloumi Cheese: Another popular Greek cheese is Halloumi, a semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a unique texture that is both firm and chewy. Halloumi is the perfect cheese for grilling as it holds up well under heat without melting. Use it in your next summer BBQ as a vegetarian option or add it to sandwiches and salads for extra flavor. It's technically a Cyprus cheese, but I like it and consider it "Greek" enough.

4. Kasseri Cheese: Kasseri is a soft, yellow cheese that is made from sheep's milk. It has a buttery and slightly tangy taste that pairs well with meats and vegetables. Kasseri is used in Greek cuisine to make a delicious roasted cheese dish called Saganaki me Loukaniko. Try grilling it or melting it for a tasty twist on your favorite melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.

5. Mizithra Cheese: Last but not least, Mizithra is a creamy, fresh cheese that is made from sheep's or goat's milk. It has a mild, slightly sour taste that is similar to ricotta. Mizithra can be used both in sweet and savory dishes and makes an excellent addition to salads and pastries.
 

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Graviera (great for pastitsio) if you can find it. The French have a similar cheese called gruyere.
 
Graviera (great for pastitsio) if you can find it. The French have a similar cheese called gruyere.
This is one of my favorite cheeses! I am lucky to have a Greek market near me - but I know that not everyone has this luxury. I agree that this one should be added to the list!
 
Yes, graviera is a fabulous cheese, and Gruyère is a fabulous sub if you can’t find graviera!
 

Cumin in Greek Cooking?

When I was in Greece, I bumped into a "spanakopita" in like a turnover style dough. It didn't have cheese and was spiced with cumin. I hadn't realized people use Cumin in Greece until I tasted it in this dish. I was kind of confused.

Do people actually use cumin in Greek cooking? None of the old recipes I have mention it. Could it be a more modern influence?

Learning about Greek food and wine pairing

I've recently developed a fascination with Greek wines and am eager to explore their potential pairings with various cuisines. Greek wines, with their rich history and unique grape varieties, offer a tantalizing range of flavors that I believe can complement a wide array of dishes beautifully. However, my experience in effectively pairing these wines is somewhat limited, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those more familiar with this area.

Particularly, I'm interested in understanding which types of Greek wines (white, red, or rosé) pair best with specific dishes or cuisines. Here are a few specific questions I have in mind:
  1. Assyrtiko: Known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, which dishes would best highlight Assyrtiko's characteristics?
  2. Agiorgitiko: Often described as smooth and velvety, what kinds of meals would complement this type of red wine?
  3. Xinomavro: With its robust tannins and complex flavor profile, what are the best food pairings to balance its intensity?
  4. Retsina: Given its unique pine resin flavor, are there particular foods that match well with this traditional wine?
Additionally, I'm curious if there are any general rules of thumb when it comes to pairing Greek wines with dishes from other culinary traditions outside of Greek cuisine.

Thank you!

Bougatsa Recipe - Delicious Breakfast!

When I was in Greece, I loved having bougatsa for breakfast. I don't have it much when I am back home so I decided to learn how to make it. Here's the recipe I use:

I do have a question, I find using the puff pastry the easiest. However, what do they use in Greece?

Dough:
  • 1 package (about 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Custard:
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Custard Filling:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, semolina flour, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • Gradually pour about 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking constantly.
    • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Bougatsa Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a clean surface. Brush melted butter generously over one sheet of puff pastry.
    • Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the buttered one. Brush the top with more melted butter.
    • Roll up the puff pastry sheets tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal portions.
  3. Assemble the Bougatsa:
    • Take one portion of the puff pastry and flatten it into a thin circle on a floured surface, using a rolling pin.
    • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled custard filling in the center of the pastry circle.
    • Fold the edges of the pastry circle over the custard filling, creating a sealed pouch. Place the filled bougatsa onto the prepared baking sheet.
    • Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry portions and custard filling.
  4. Bake the Bougatsa:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bougatsa until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
    • Remove the bougatsa from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Different kinds of baklava to try?

I've recently found myself on a delicious quest to explore the world of baklava, that rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. I understand that baklava has roots in many culinary traditions across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, each bringing its own unique twist to this iconic dessert.

From what I’ve gathered, the variations of baklava are as numerous as they are delicious, differing in nuts, spices, types of syrup, and preparation methods. However, navigating through these variations is quite the challenge, and that’s where I’m seeking your collective wisdom!

I am curious what you guys think!

Drinking Olive Oil: Health and Beauty Elixir or Celebrity Fad?

This will I hope generate a healthy discussion amongst the readership here!I have been drinking Pure Olive oil 0.3% Acidity (Not cheap!) for many years, not everyday as I alternate with Pure Organic Sesame oil and Organic first pressed Coconut oil as well....and I also forget to be honest even when all the bottles are staring at me!!😁😁... Since there are many members here I am interested to hear how many drink olive oil and the benefits to their wellbeing?!.... Kalley Mera from Thailand and a heatwave no one can imagine for 5 months without a drop of rain!
https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/0...Reporter+Daily+News+Simple&utm_term=Read+More
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