1. L

    Does this look like a good koliva recipe?

    Yes, it does and koliva can have variations and amonts like raisins need not be exact.. We would also put initials of the dead person on the top, but that may be another regional tradition.
  2. L

    Greek pita bread?

    I grew up in a Greek family and we never had pita bread. Maybe it's a regional thing, but hadn't even heard of it until last 10 years or so. Bread we got at Greek store was round and somewhat high with sesame seeds on top and we called it psomi, the Greek word for bread. Is pita bread popular...
  3. L

    Pastitsio Recipe - Lost my family's

    I add a small amount of cinnamon to meat mixture, just barely able to taste. You don't want it to scream, cinnamon.
  4. L

    Anyone have a good recipe for lentil soup?

    I've tried several variations, and my favorite is the most simple. It carrots, celery, lentils, small can tomato paste and some red wine vinegar at the end. I chop carrots, celery and, add lentils (well rinsed), and cook until tender, about 40-45 minutes. Remove about 1/3 of the soup and...
  5. L

    When is Ochi Day?

    Oct 28. Google it. PM Metaxas said no to Mussolini
  6. L

    Sub Almonds for Walnuts in Baklava?

    By all means use almonds and enjoy! I think you can use most any nut in baklava with the exception of peanuts, which are really not a nut but a legume.
  7. L

    Greek Wedding Traditions

    I had bridesmaids and groomsmen at my GO wedding, and every one I've attended (lots) had them. This is in the US. Perhaps it's not done that way in Greece. Guests were seated in church when bridesmaids walked in and then bride is escorted down the aisle by her father. In the US the priest...
  8. L

    Spitting and the Evil Eye?

    I think what's said is, ftou, ftou, ftou, at least that's what it sounded like to me.
  9. L

    Adding Nuts to Kourabedies

    Yes, and be sure to use blanched almonds. You don't want to use almonds that have the brown skin on them, and as Pemi said, no need to use a lot. I like them either way, but slightly prefer no nuts as that's how my mom and everyone in the family made them.
  10. L

    Adding Nuts to Kourabedies

    I think you'd be fine adding finely chopped almonds to your recipe. Or take a look on the Web at some recipes that include nuts.
  11. L

    Do you put tomato sauce in your pastitsio?

    Was the tomato sauce on the pasta or just in the meat? I use a small can of tomato paste in the meat, and a bit of cinnamon, but no tomato sauce on pasta. There are regional variations in just about all Greek cooking. If you enjoy it with tomato sauce, than do it. If you prefer it without, do...
  12. L

    Attending a non-Greek wedding in Greece

    Well, this is a good one. For dress, I would wear something simple, not formal or casual, but a basic plain dress, any color but not black or white. As for not accepting gifts, I think an envelope with a card containing money would be appreciated. Sometimes saying no gifts is another way of...
  13. L

    Prepping the eggplant for Melitzanasalata?

    To grill eggplant, brush each side with olive oil and place under broiler, until it looks cooked. Goal is to get it soft so it can be mashed and it's great to dip with warmed crusty pita or other bread.
  14. L

    Various Ways to Use Greek Yogurt

    When it's whole-milk yogurt it will substitute for sour cream in a baked potato, a bit of a tang, but it works for me.
  15. L

    Various Ways to Use Greek Yogurt

    I think there's a recipe for a yogurt cake in one of my Greek cookbooks and I remember making it and it was good. You could probably find a recipe online. Good luck!
  16. L

    Best way to book the "3 Island" cruise

    Yes, I did it many years ago when I was in Athens. You should be easily able to do when you're in Athens, unless things gave drastically chsnged! It seemed to be advertised everywhere. Ask at the front desk of the hotel you're staying it if you don't see advertising for it.
  17. L

    Makarona me Kima

    I don't use cloves, and if you're using whole cloves, remove before serving. It's not something someone wants to bite into. Cinnamon is essential.
  18. L

    Spitting and the Evil Eye?

    I'm fuzzy on the details also. Maybe Google it? I agree this would seem to be the best source, but Google probably has something. Good luck. If you find something interesting, let us know.
  19. L

    Preparing cucumbers for tzatziki

    Think salting is important as it draws out water and cucumbers are very watery. I peel and seed them and salt to draw out water.
  20. L

    Type of Rice for Rice Pudding?

    I'm guessing as a kid my mom used regular Uncle Ben's rice. My brother loved it, and ate so much I was lucky to get any. I'm not overly fond of it, but when it's good, it's good! I think you'd be fine with most American store-bought rice, but then I've never eaten rice pudding in Greece. Maybe...
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