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cubrinj

Active member
I’ve been experimenting with Greek desserts lately, and I’m curious about incorporating apples into traditional recipes. I know apples aren’t as common in Greek sweets compared to other fruits like figs or grapes, but I’m sure there must be some delicious apple-based treats out there!

I’ve heard of apple variations of baklava, but I’d love to explore other options as well. Are there any traditional or modern Greek desserts that feature apples prominently? I’m particularly interested in recipes that highlight the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, honey, and nuts often found in Greek sweets.

Also, any tips on the best type of apples to use or how to blend them into classic Greek desserts would be greatly appreciated. If you have recipes, suggestions, or any favorite apple desserts, please share! I’m excited to try something new and bring a bit of Greek flair to my baking. Thanks!
 
I am in Greece now and just had a piece of apple pie on the ferry from Paros to Naxos. It was delicious. It had a bottom crust and a crumble topping. Don’t know if it is traditional or not, but was a great dessert.
 
If you’re looking to incorporate apples into Greek desserts, you’re in for a treat! One delicious option is Milopita, the Greek version of apple pie, which beautifully combines apples with cinnamon, walnuts, and sometimes a touch of honey. It’s a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for highlighting those classic Greek flavors. For Milopita, Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples work well because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness nicely.

Another great idea is to add apples to Galaktoboureko, replacing some of the custard with apple slices for a unique twist on this syrup-soaked phyllo dessert. You could also try apple spoon sweets, a traditional way to preserve fruits in syrup, often served with yogurt or ice cream.

For a modern touch, try making apple-stuffed phyllo rolls with a mix of chopped apples, cinnamon, nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
 

Using Butter for Cooking in Greece?

I've been wondering how commonly butter is actually used in Greek cooking. I know olive oil is such an important part of Greek cuisine, so I'm curious where butter fits in, if at all.

For example, when making things with phyllo like baklava, spanakopita, or tiropita, is the phyllo traditionally brushed with melted butter, olive oil, or does it depend on the recipe and region? I've seen recipes that use both, which made me wonder what would be considered more traditional in Greece.

I'm also curious about baking in general. Is butter commonly used in Greek cakes, cookies, and other desserts, or is olive oil often used there as well?

I'd love to hear from anyone familiar with traditional Greek home cooking. When would you typically reach for butter, and when would you use olive oil instead?

Getting Your Souvlaki Tender?

I made chicken souvlaki the other day, and for the first time it came out tougher than I expected. The strange part is that, as far as I can tell, I didn't overcook it. I used the same basic recipe I've made before, but the chicken just wasn't as tender or juicy this time.

Now I'm trying to figure out what might have gone wrong. Could it have been the cut of chicken, the quality of the meat, or maybe the marinade? I usually let it marinate for several hours, but I'm wondering if there's something else that makes a bigger difference.

What are your best tips for consistently tender chicken souvlaki? Do you use yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, or another ingredient that really helps? I'd love to hear your techniques so I can avoid ending up with tough souvlaki the next time I fire up the grill.

Favorite Greek Leftovers?

What are your favorite Greek dishes to eat as leftovers?

Some foods definitely seem best when they’re freshly cooked and served right away, but I’ve noticed that other Greek dishes somehow taste even better the next day. It seems like the extra time gives all the olive oil, herbs, tomatoes, spices, and other flavors a chance to come together.

I especially notice this with dishes like pastitsio, moussaka, gemista, and some of the ladera dishes. I’ll make them for dinner and then actually look forward to having them again for lunch the next day.

Are there any Greek foods that you think improve after sitting overnight? Do you reheat them, eat them at room temperature, or have a favorite way of serving the leftovers?

I’d love to hear which dishes everyone purposely makes extra of because they know they’ll be just as good, or even better, tomorrow!

Favorite Homemade Pastitsio Tips?

I have to say, I've had so many different versions of pastitsio over the years that I don't think I've ever had two that were exactly the same. Some are rich and heavily spiced, while others are much lighter and let the pasta and béchamel shine.

One thing I've always wondered is what people consider the "must-have" ingredient that makes a great pastitsio. Is it the cinnamon? Nutmeg? A splash of wine in the meat sauce? Or is it really all about getting the béchamel just right?

I'd also love to know if your family's recipe has changed over the years or if you're still making it exactly the way your yiayia or mother did. I'm always looking for little techniques that take a homemade pastitsio from good to unforgettable, so I'd love to hear everyone's tips and family traditions.

Anyone Else Grow Their Own Oregano?

I've started growing my own Greek oregano, and it's become one of my favorite herbs to have on hand. There's nothing like it! The flavor is so much better than the dried oregano I buy at the store! I sometimes take cuttings and dry my own, too, and mine even tastes better than store bought.

Right now I keep mine in large pots instead of planting it in the ground. Since our winters can get pretty cold, I bring the pots indoors before the first hard frost and then put them back outside in the spring. It's worked fairly well so far, but I'm wondering if there's a better approach.

For those of you who grow oregano, do you keep it in containers year-round, plant it directly in the garden, or do something else entirely? How does it handle your winters? I'd love to hear what has worked best for you and any tips you've picked up over the years.
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