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cubrinj

Active member
This is the first year I will be making vasilopita. I am so excited! I thought I'd share the recipe I plan to use. Does this look right?

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups of sugar
• 1 ½ cups of unsalted butter
• ½ cup of orange juice
• 2 tbsp. of orange zest
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp. of baking powder
• 1 tsp. of baking soda
• 1 tsp. of vanilla essence
• A pinch of salt
• 1 small cake-shaped coin or an almond

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it turns light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one by one, whisking them adequately into the butter-sugar mixture after each addition.
4. Add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla essence while continuously whisking the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then mix thoroughly.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until it forms a smooth batter.
7. Grease a baking dish or pan then pour the batter into it, ensuring it spreads evenly.
8. Insert the coin or almond into the batter randomly.
9. Bake the mixture in the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes until a fork inserted at the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven, allow the cake to cool before cutting the cake.
 
This is the first year I will be making vasilopita. I am so excited! I thought I'd share the recipe I plan to use. Does this look right?

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups of sugar
• 1 ½ cups of unsalted butter
• ½ cup of orange juice
• 2 tbsp. of orange zest
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp. of baking powder
• 1 tsp. of baking soda
• 1 tsp. of vanilla essence
• A pinch of salt
• 1 small cake-shaped coin or an almond

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it turns light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one by one, whisking them adequately into the butter-sugar mixture after each addition.
4. Add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla essence while continuously whisking the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then mix thoroughly.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until it forms a smooth batter.
7. Grease a baking dish or pan then pour the batter into it, ensuring it spreads evenly.
8. Insert the coin or almond into the batter randomly.
9. Bake the mixture in the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes until a fork inserted at the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven, allow the cake to cool before cutting the cake.
I would definitely add a little bit of greek cognac in a bit of cinnamon
 
I would definitely add a little bit of greek cognac in a bit of cinnamon
Same! Or some kind of alcohol (not ouzo, something mellower). I've done rakomelo in the past.
 

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?

Top herbal teas popular in Greece?

Could anyone share insights or recommendations on which herbal teas are the most popular or cherished in Greece? I'm particularly interested in teas that are unique to the region or have a special place in Greek culture and wellness practices.

Also, if you have any suggestions on where I might purchase these teas, especially if they're available online, that would be incredibly helpful! I'm eager to try making some of these teas at home and experiencing a taste of Greek herbal tradition.

Thank you in advance for your help! I’m looking forward to exploring your suggestions and hopefully discovering some new favorite teas.

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

Greek Marinated Olives Recipe

I love to serve marinated Greek olives when I have people over. It's easy to do, and I change things each time. The amounts are for a big serving enough for company. I halve the recipe otherwise.
  • 2 cups mixed Greek olives (such as Kalamata, green, or black)
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon zest (optional)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the olives: Rinse the olives under cold water to remove excess brine. If the olives are very salty, you can soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, combine the olives, sliced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using. Gently toss to coat the olives evenly with the marinade.
  3. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the olives and marinade to a sealable container. Let the olives marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Serve: Before serving, let the olives come to room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. Optionally, garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs for extra freshness and aroma.

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!
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