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nadellii

Active member
I’m hosting a dinner party and planning a Greek-inspired menu, but I’m stuck on the dessert! I want something traditional but also impressive for guests who may not be familiar with Greek sweets.

Baklava seems like the obvious choice, but I know it can be quite rich—would it be too much after a big meal? I’ve also heard about galaktoboureko, which sounds delicious, but I am not sure I want to serve that either.

Are there any lighter Greek desserts that would work well? Maybe something with yogurt and honey? Or a fruit-based option that still feels authentic? I am mainly looking to see what other people would do. I might just keep it simple and serve ice cream and maybe lay out a few pieces of baklava...
 
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Hey there! If you want something impressive, you could try making Greek Ekmek Kataifi, which you could either serve in individual glasses or in a big pan. It's unique and absolutely delicious! I have lots of other Greek desserts on my blog, too! Check them out and let me know if you have any questions!
 
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That sounds like a fantastic dinner party! If you’re looking for a lighter Greek dessert, you might love Greek yogurt with honey and nuts—it’s simple, elegant, and very traditional. You can elevate it by layering it with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or candied walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Another great option is karidopita, a spiced walnut cake soaked in a light syrup. It’s less heavy than baklava but still packed with Greek flavors like cinnamon and cloves. Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for balance.

If you want something fruity, try baked peaches or figs with honey and almonds—roasting them enhances their natural sweetness, and a drizzle of Greek honey makes them feel extra special.

That said, a small tray of baklava alongside ice cream sounds perfect too—your guests can take as little or as much as they like!
 

Just Discovered Greek Rose Wines

I just tried Greek rosé wine for the first time, and I’m blown away! I had a bottle of Xinomavro rosé, and the flavors were so vibrant—ripe strawberries, watermelon, a touch of citrus, and a hint of herbal spice. It was crisp, refreshing, and had just the right amount of acidity.

I paired it with grilled shrimp and a Greek salad, and it was absolute perfection. I’ve read that Greek rosés also go well with grilled octopus, feta-based dishes, and even spicy Mediterranean mezze. Some are fruitier, while others have more minerality, especially those from Crete or the Peloponnese.

Has anyone else explored Greek rosé wines? Any favorite bottles or pairing recommendations? I’m excited to try more and would love to hear what you all suggest!

Brunch trends in Greece?

I’ve been hearing a lot about how brunch culture has taken off in Greece over the past few years, especially in places like Athens and Thessaloniki. I’d love to learn more about the latest trends—what dishes are popular, what ingredients are must-haves, and how brunch in Greece differs from the traditional “Western” style.

Are there unique Greek twists on classics, like spanakopita-inspired eggs or loukoumades for a sweet option? Do people go for traditional Greek flavors, or is it more fusion-style? I’d also love to know if there are any standout drinks—are Freddo Cappuccinos still the go-to, or are new brunch cocktails trending?

I’d love to replicate some of these ideas at home, so any insights on must-try dishes or creative Greek-inspired brunch recipes would be amazing!

Has Greek food changed in the past 20 years or so?

I’ve been wondering—has Greek cuisine changed much over the past two decades? Traditional Greek food has such deep roots, but with globalization, tourism, and modern food trends, I imagine there have been some shifts. Have certain dishes become more popular or evolved in how they’re prepared? Are there more international influences creeping into Greek menus, or is traditional food still holding strong?

I’ve also noticed a rise in gourmet and fusion-style Greek cuisine, especially in major cities and on islands like Mykonos and Santorini. Plus, with the global focus on health and plant-based eating, have Greek dishes adapted to be more vegan- and gluten-free-friendly?

For those who have been visiting or living in Greece over the years, what changes (if any) have you noticed? Are there any dishes that have disappeared or new ones that have emerged? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Dolmadakia with rice for lent

I am trying to make a lent-friendly dolmadakia but I don't even feel as if I can use oil - it's for a lenten potluck at my church. Any idea how I can modify this recipe a bit? I only shared the ingredients because I don't need the instructions for this...

Ingredients - Makes about 40​

  • 40 grape leaves (jarred or fresh)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice (like Arborio)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
With the vegetable broth in this, do you think I could just omit the oil? I never made this recipe before - I found it online.

Greek Boiled Greens (Horta Vrasta))

My family loves to eat this when the weather starts warming up. I thought I'd share a simple recipe:

Ingredients:
  • 1–2 large bunches of leafy greens (see types below)
  • Sea salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: a clove of garlic in the boiling water (for aroma)
Instructions:

Start by cleaning the greens. Trim away any tough stems or wilted leaves, then rinse the greens well in cold water. It’s best to do this in a large bowl or basin, changing the water several times to remove any dirt or sand that might be hiding between the leaves. Once clean, set them aside.

Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. If you like a subtle hint of garlic, you can add a whole clove to the water for extra aroma. Carefully add the greens to the pot—if they don’t all fit at once, add them in batches as they wilt down. Let them boil uncovered for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of greens and how tender you like them. They should be fully cooked but still have a nice vibrant green color.

When the greens are tender, use tongs or a strainer to remove them from the water and let them drain well.
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