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d_kakavouli

Active member
I’m hosting a Greek-themed party soon and want to put together an amazing meze spread. I’m especially excited to include some cheese-based options, but I could use your advice on what to serve.

I know saganaki (fried cheese) is a classic, and I love it when it’s served with a drizzle of honey, but I’m curious if there are other cheese dishes that would work well as part of a meze platter. I’ve also heard about baked feta with peppers and herbs—any tips for making that one perfect?

Are there any other cheese-based meze dishes that you recommend? Something simple but authentic would be great, and bonus points if it pairs well with ouzo or Greek wine! I’d love to hear your go-to recipes, presentation ideas, or any unique twists you’ve tried when serving cheese at Greek gatherings.
 
Your meze spread sounds fantastic already! Saganaki with honey is a showstopper, and baked feta is another great addition—it’s easy to make, too! For baked feta, try wrapping it in foil with thinly sliced red peppers, a sprinkle of oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast it until soft, then top with a pinch of chili flakes or thyme for added flavor.

For something different, consider tirokafteri, a spicy feta dip blended with roasted red peppers, olive oil, and a touch of chili. It’s creamy with a kick, perfect for spreading on bread and pairs wonderfully with ouzo.

Another option is manouri cheese with figs or grapes. Manouri is a milder, creamier cheese that balances well with fruit. Arrange everything on a rustic wooden board, add some olives, and garnish with fresh herbs for an authentic look. Your guests will love the variety!
 

Making Crispy Greek Fries Tips?

I’m trying to master homemade Greek fries, you know, the kind that are golden, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with oregano and sea salt. I’ve had them in tavernas in Greece and nothing I’ve made at home comes close.

I’ve tried both russets and Yukon Golds, but I’m not sure about the best type of potato for this. Do you parboil first or go straight to frying? I’ve also read some people do a double-fry method — is that key to the crunch?

Also curious about oils, olive oil vs. sunflower vs. something else entirely. And how do you get them to stay crispy if you’re making a big batch for a crowd?

Difference Between Galatopita and Galaktoboureko?

I’ve recently started exploring more traditional Greek desserts and keep coming across two that sound similar, galatopita and galaktoboureko. Both seem to involve a creamy, custard-like filling made with milk and semolina, but I’m a bit confused about what actually sets them apart.

From what I understand, galaktoboureko has phyllo on top and bottom and is soaked in syrup, kind of like a custard baklava. But then I saw recipes for galatopita that don’t use any phyllo at all—just the custard baked until golden, sometimes dusted with cinnamon.

Is that the main difference? Phyllo and syrup vs. no phyllo and more of a cake-like finish? Or are there regional variations where even galatopita can include phyllo?

I’d love to hear how you make (or eat!) these two desserts and which one you prefer. Are there any tips for getting that perfect texture?

Can you make stifado with Octopus?

I’ve made beef and rabbit stifado plenty of times, but I recently heard someone mention an octopus version and now I’m intrigued. Has anyone here actually tried making octopus stifado? I imagine the texture and cooking time would be really different from meat, but I love the idea of combining that tender, slow-cooked octopus with the rich, cinnamon-spiced tomato sauce and pearl onions.

Would you cook the octopus separately first and then add it to the sauce? Or do you let it stew the whole time like you would with beef or rabbit? I have vaguely heard of it being possible to make this with octopus. Now that it's summer I am in the mood to eat lots of seafood.

Best Meat for Soutsoukakia?

I’m planning to make soutzoukakia smyrneika this weekend — one of my absolute favorite Greek comfort dishes. I’ve had it with different types of ground meat over the years (sometimes beef, sometimes a mix), but I want to get it just rightthis time and could use your advice.

What’s the best type of meat to use for authentic, flavorful soutzoukakia? Should I go with 100% beef, a beef-pork combo, or even add a bit of lamb? Or purely lamb? I’m also curious how the fat content affects the final result — do you go lean or a little more fatty?

Prepping Salt Cod for Greek Recipes?

I’m hoping for some help with prepping salt cod (bakaliaros) for traditional Greek recipes. I remember my yiayia soaking and changing the water, but I never learned the exact process. I’d love to make bakaliaros skordalia for a family gathering and want to do it right.

How long should I soak the salt cod, and how often do I change the water? Is it better to leave it in the fridge or at room temp during the soak? Also, how do I know when it’s ready to cook?

Any tips on removing the bones or choosing good quality salt cod would be amazing. I’m a little intimidated but really want to carry on the tradition. Thank you so much!
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