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    Learning about Greek Independence Day

    March 25th marks a significant celebration in Greece, but I realize my knowledge on its historical context is quite limited. From what I understand, this day commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821, where Greece sought to end several centuries of Ottoman rule. However...
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    Easy Dakos Recipe

    I went to Crete and I loved Dakos so much I learned how to make it. Here's my recipe. It just makes one. A tip - find the freshest ingredients possible! 1 barley rusk (Cretan dakos rusks) 1 large ripe tomatoes, grated or very finely chopped 50g feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup crumbled)...
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    Using Greek Yogurt in Cooking

    I love eating Greek yogurt with a little honey and sometimes walnuts in the morning for breakfast. You an cook with it, too! I thought I'd make a list of some of my favorite ways to use it to share with you all. How do you like to cook with Greek yogurt? Marinades: Yogurt is a fantastic meat...
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    Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

    I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything? The Stolisma The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's...
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    Off the beaten track suggestions for Santorini?

    I've been completely mesmerized by the postcard photos of Santorini, but beyond the blue domes and the sunsets of Oia, I'm looking to uncover some of the island's best-kept secrets. What do you suggest? Have you stumbled upon any villages, beaches, or local haunts here that you loved? Or...
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    Visit the Cyclades Islands - Information and Tips?

    I am thinking of visiting some of the Cyclades islands this summer. I've, of course, already done Santorini and Mykonos. I want to do something a bit different. I am thinking of the following: - Tinos - Naxos - Milos - Paros I have some questions: - When is the best time to visit? I am...
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    Greek tradition of hanging onions on the door?

    I know what you guys mean. To me, it's had the vibe of "leave garlic on the doorknob so vampires don't come in." I mean, I know it's not that - but onions don't exactly scream prosperity to me. I thought it was interesting, though.
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    Greek tradition of hanging onions on the door?

    I just came from my friend's house and I saw there were onions hanging on the door! I asked them about it and learned it was a New Year's tradition. Here's what my research pulled out: The Greek New Year is celebrated on the 1st of January, but the preparations for the celebration begin on the...
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    Who has the best New Year's celebration in Greece?

    I won't be able to do it this year, but I would love to go to Greece for New Year's. Where is the best place to celebrate? I know Athens must have a celebration, as should Thessaloniki. I think both Athens and Thessaloniki should have fireworks and maybe a lively nightlife? What about places...
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    Tips for navigating the ferries in Greece

    I have one for you too- I checked my bags on an overnight ferry once and someone almost took mine! I had to run after them and prove to them that it was my stuff, but I don't speak Greek that well. I will 100% never check my bags again on a ferry in Greece.
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    Vasilopita Recipe - Greek New Year's 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...
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    Greek shortbread cookies recipe (kourabedies)

    I know everyone loves melamakarona during Christmas, but my favorite are kourabedies! They are delicious. I love my family's recipe. I thought I would share: - 2 sticks butter, at room temperature - 2 egg yolks - 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup brandy - 3...
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    Are melamakarona and finikia the same thing?

    I had thought I never made melamakarona but then when I got the recipe from a friend, it looks exactly like my finikia recipe. Are they basically the same thing with a different name? Here is my Finikia recipe and aside from some minor differences, it looks the same as my friend's Melamakarona...
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    Thesmorphia - Ancient Greek Thanksgiving Festival

    I have heard this festival described as an "Ancient Greek Thanksgiving" so I thought I would look it up. Very interesting! I don't see the "Thanksgiving" connection (not the way we in the US think of it) but I thought it was interesting because it goes to show you that gratitude-related...
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    Foods to Serve at a "Greek Style" American Thanksgiving

    I know that many of us celebrate "American Thanksgiving" - those of us who live in the United States. I have always found it to be an interesting mix of traditional, American Thanksgiving foods and Greek favorites. What do you guys serve? We are either serving this year, or have in the past...
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    Book a Private Tour in Greece

    Thank you! Someone told me you can also ask around at your hotel but I am not sure how reliable this is.
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    Greece at Christmas?

    I think I might want to visit Greece for Christmas this year. Do you have any tips? Some things I am thinking: Seems I might want to be there for a month? Maybe from December 6 to January 6? From what I understand that is considered "the season" I of course want to go to church - especially on...
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    Galaktboboureko Custard Fell Apart

    I tried making galaktoboureko the other day - I had made this recipe before but it had been a while. The end result is that the custard/filling part was far too runny. I followed the instructions exactly (or so I thought, recipe was hard to follow because it was hand written). What could...
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    Book a Private Tour in Greece

    I have some friends who came back from Greece and they had a lovely time and saw a lot. Across the board, they all agreed that the best way to see a place is to book a private, local tour. They did that in places like Mykonos, Aegina, Santorini, and even the Athens area and each time they did...
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    How expensive is Mykonos?

    I won't be going this year, but I am starting to plan for next year. I plan to be in a Greece for at least a month and someone I am traveling with is adamant about wanting to experience some clubs in Mykonos. I think it does look fun, but I am concerned with whether or not it is expensive. I...
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