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cubrinj

Active member
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 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 2 cups of almonds, roasted and chopped
- Additional confectioners' sugar (for dusting)

1: Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2: Cream the butter into a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is light and fluffy. Add two egg yolks gradually and continue beating.

3: Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and brandy, and beat until creamy and fully incorporated.

4: Add flour and baking powder and mix until the dough becomes soft and silky.

5: Fold chopped almonds into the dough mixture.

6: Take a small piece of dough (approximately 1 tablespoon-sized) and press it into your palm to create a small, round cookie. Place the cookies on the parchment paper-lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.

7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cookies turn golden brown.

8: Remove the cookies from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool.

9: Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with a layer of confectioners’ sugar to coat the cookies.

10: Store in an airtight container until you're ready to enjoy them.

greek-shortbread.jpg
 
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Reactions: k_tsoukalas
This is definitely a wonderful recipe. Thanks for sharing!
 
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Reactions: k_tsoukalas
Kourabedies are so good. My family always made these and baklava for Christmas. She'd give out plates of Greed desserts for gifts!
 

Greek grilling advice and tips?

It's getting warm out and time to break out the grill! I am interested in how do Greek people in Greece grill? I've had so many delicious grilled foods in Greece, I am having a hard time getting the same flavors here in the United States.

I've tried my hand at a few recipes, aiming to capture that authentic taste, but I feel like there's a deeper level of technique and tradition that I'm just not hitting. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the grill itself, I know there’s a wealth of subtleties that can turn a good dish into a great one.

Do they use certain marinades or techniques? I've watched people in Greece grill - they don't even really follow recipes.

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

Different kinds of baklava to try?

I've recently found myself on a delicious quest to explore the world of baklava, that rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. I understand that baklava has roots in many culinary traditions across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, each bringing its own unique twist to this iconic dessert.

From what I’ve gathered, the variations of baklava are as numerous as they are delicious, differing in nuts, spices, types of syrup, and preparation methods. However, navigating through these variations is quite the challenge, and that’s where I’m seeking your collective wisdom!

I am curious what you guys think!

Enjoying Cooking with Greek Honey

One of the things I love most about Greek honey is its versatility. You can use it in so many different ways in the kitchen. I've drizzled it over Greek yogurt for breakfast, mixed it into salad dressings for a touch of sweetness, and even used it as a glaze for roasted vegetables. The depth of flavor it adds to dishes is truly remarkable.

But perhaps my favorite way to use Greek honey is in baking. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to cakes, cookies, and pastries. I recently made a batch of baklava using Greek honey, and it was a game-changer. The honey soaked into the layers of phyllo dough, creating a sweet and sticky treat that was absolutely irresistible.

I go out of my way to buy it - if I can't find it locally, I get it online. When I go to Greece, I get some in Greece, too.

What do you love to use Greek honey for?

greek-honey.jpg

Mediterranean Diet Tied to Lower Blood Pressure, Greek Study Shows!

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