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auroracoor1

Active member
I’m not talking about the big, festive desserts like baklava or galaktoboureko—though I love those too. I mean the simple, everyday Greek sweets you reach for when you want just a little something with your coffee or after dinner.

For me, it’s usually a spoon sweet (like sour cherry or fig), a piece of halva, or maybe a koulouraki with a warm cup of Greek coffee. Sometimes I’ll grab a square of semolina halva I’ve made earlier in the week—it keeps so well and satisfies that sweet craving without being too much.

What are your go-to “daily” Greek desserts or sweets? Do you keep anything homemade on hand? Or do you have a favorite from a local bakery or grocery store? I’d love to hear what your everyday Greek sweet fix looks like!
 
Great question! I’m the same way—while I adore a good baklava or ekmek kataifi, my everyday Greek sweet tooth is a little more low-key. I almost always have paximadakia (especially the orange or almond ones) in a tin for an easy bite with coffee. I also love karydopita (walnut cake) in small squares—it's rich but not overwhelming, and it freezes beautifully. Another favorite is tahinopita, especially during fasting periods—it’s just the right touch of sweetness and feels hearty.

If I have time, I’ll make a small batch of rizogalo (Greek rice pudding) to keep in the fridge. It’s comfort in a cup! And yes, I always have a jar of spoon sweets—sour cherry and quince are my go-tos.

Would love to hear if anyone has a favorite quick homemade sweet recipe—especially ones that can keep well for the week!
 

Toppings for Louloumades?

Lately I’ve noticed loukoumades popping up everywhere—on food blogs, Instagram, and trendy dessert spots—and it seems like people are getting really creative with the toppings! Traditionally, I’ve always known them as the classic honey-drenched treat (sometimes with a sprinkle of walnuts or cinnamon sugar), but now I’m seeing versions with chocolate sauce, tahini, pistachios, even ice cream on top!

I’m curious what everyone thinks about these modern twists. Do you love the creative toppings or prefer to keep things traditional? Have you tried any toppings that surprised you—in a good way?

Also, I wonder how common these variations are in Greece itself. Are Greek bakeries and cafés playing around with loukoumades, or is this more of a diaspora trend?

Would love to hear your favorites—whether it's old-school honey or something totally new and indulgent. I’m definitely craving some now and looking for inspiration for my next batch!

Has anyone made Greek grilled octopus at home?

Every time I visit Greece, I fall in love all over again with grilled octopus—tender, smoky, perfectly charred, and drizzled with olive oil and lemon. But every time I try making it at home, it turns out tough and rubbery. I’m starting to wonder if the secret isn’t just in the cooking, but in how the octopus is prepped beforehand.

Does anyone know if the octopus sold in Greece is treated differently before hitting the grill? I’ve read that in Greece, they sometimes tenderize it by pounding it or drying it out in the sun. Are we missing that step here in the U.S.?

I’d love to recreate that amazing texture and flavor at home—so if you’ve had any success (or lessons learned), please share your tips! Do you boil it first? Freeze it? Grill it low and slow?

Using Petimezi in Greek Cooking?

I have been coming across petimezi (grape molasses) in some traditional Greek recipes lately—mainly in older cookbooks or island dishes—and I’m curious how common it actually is in everyday Greek cooking. I know it has ancient roots and is used as a sweetener, but I’ve never really kept it in my pantry.

Do you use petimezi regularly? If so, what kinds of dishes do you add it to—just desserts, or savory dishes too? I’ve seen it mentioned in things like koulourakia, vinaigrettes, even over yogurt or cheese. Is it worth keeping a bottle on hand, or is this more of a specialty item that’s only used occasionally?

What's your favorite Greek wine?

I’m looking to expand my Greek wine knowledge and would love your input—what’s your favorite Greek wine?

I’ve tried a few well-known ones like Assyrtiko from Santorini and Agiorgitiko from Nemea, and I really enjoyed them both. But I know there’s so much more out there, from island varieties to mountain-grown grapes and even sweet dessert wines like Vinsanto.

Whether it’s white, red, rosé, or something sparkling or rare, I’d love to hear what you love and why. Do you drink it with certain foods? Buy it locally or abroad?

I’m especially curious about regional wines I may not have heard of—always excited to discover a new favorite! Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Soutzoukakia - An Easy Dinner?

I’ve been thinking about trying my hand at making soutzoukakia (those delicious Greek meatballs in tomato sauce), and I’m wondering—would you consider it an easy dinner to make on a weeknight?

From what I’ve read, the meat mixture is flavored with garlic, cumin, and sometimes cinnamon, then seared and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Some recipes call for baking, others for pan-frying or simmering directly in the sauce. I’ve also seen versions with wine or bay leaves added for extra flavor.

I’d love to hear how you make yours—do you prep anything in advance to save time? Do you serve it with rice, potatoes, or just bread? Any shortcuts or tricks that make it faster but still flavorful?

I’m aiming for something comforting but not too labor-intensive for a busy evening, and soutzoukakia seems like a good option. What do you think?
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