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mastichas09

Active member
This is the old school way to make melomakarona! You need to make something called "ash water." In Greek its called stahtonero or alisiva. You make this by boiling water with homemade ashes from burning wood. There are some recipes that I have found online but unfortunately they are all in Greek. This is one of the most detailed ones, it explains everything! Here are the ingredients below in Greek....

Υλικά
(Μετράμε με ποτήρι νερού των 200 ml)

4 ποτήρια νερού ελαιόλαδο ελαφρύ (700 γρ)
2 ποτήρια του νερού ζάχαρη (450 γρ)
1 ποτήρι του νερού αλισίβα (220 γρ)
1 ποτήρι χυμό πορτοκάλι (22ο γρ)
1 κρασοπότηρο κονιάκ (140 γρ)
1,5 κουταλάκι γαρύφαλλο τριμμένο
3 κουταλάκια κανέλλα
ξύσμα από δύο πορτοκάλια
2 κουταλιές της σούπας σόδα
2 κιλά αλεύρι για όλες τις χρήσεις ή
(εγώ βάζω 800 γρ. κίτρινο χωριάτικο και 1200 γρ για όλες τις χρήσεις)


Σιρόπι
1 κιλό μέλι
1 ποτήρι ζάχαρη
3 ποτήρια νερό

Link: http://mariplateau.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post_20.html
 

Understanding Greek Condiments

I’ve noticed that condiments in Greece can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. For example, when I visit Crete, there’s always fresh lemon on the table, and people use it on everything, from meat to greens. In other places, I see a lot of vinegar being used, especially with salads and fried foods.

It got me wondering, what are the most common condiments across different regions of Greece? Do Greeks ever use things like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise at home, or is that mostly in tourist areas?

I know olive oil and lemon are staples, but sometimes I see things on tables that surprise me. Just curious if there are certain traditional uses for these “modern” condiments or if it’s more regional/custom-based. Would love to hear your thoughts or family traditions!

Good Meze for Outdoor Barbecue?

I’m Greek and love to cook traditional food, especially when the weather’s nice and we can eat outside! I often host outdoor dinner parties with a grill going and a table full of friends and family. I’m looking for ideas for meze that hold up well outdoors while everyone’s mingling and waiting for the main meal to be ready.

I usually do the basics like tzatziki, olives, and pita, but I’d love to add a few more options that can sit out for a bit without wilting or drying out. Ideally, things that don’t need to be piping hot or refrigerated immediately—especially since I like the relaxed, come-and-go vibe during grilling.

What are your go-to Greek starters or finger foods for an outdoor setting?

Handling dried gigantes?

I’m a huge fan of gigantes plaki and other dishes that use these giant beans. I am really struggling with the dried ones.

No matter how long I soak or boil them, they never seem to get quite soft enough. I’ve tried overnight soaking, longer cooking times, even baking soda in the soak water. Still hit-or-miss results. Sometimes they split before they soften, or the skins get tough.

I know canned gigantes exist, but I’d love to master the dried kind, especially for homemade plaki where texture really matters.

Any tips? Is there a soaking method or cooking trick that’s worked well for you? I am considering trying to get them soft in a pressure cooker, maybe that will help?

Frying Saganaki the Right Way?

I love saganaki. There’s nothing better than that golden, crispy cheese with a squeeze of lemon. I always order it at Greek restaurants, but I’ve never actually tried making it myself at home. I’m finally ready to give it a shot and could really use some tips!

What’s the best type of cheese to use? I’ve heard of kefalograviera and kasseri, but I’m not sure which gives the best result. Also, how do you keep it from melting into a puddle or sticking to the pan?

Do you dredge it in flour or something else? Olive oil or another type of oil for frying? And how do you get that perfect crispy edge without burning it?

My Favorite Greek Ladokoulourakia Recipe

I love these olive oil cookies - I first had them in Greece and have been making them ever since.

Ingredients:​

  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves (optional, but I love it)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • Optional: sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:​

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. It should not stick to your hands.
  4. Shape into small ropes (~4–5 inches) and form into twists or rings.
  5. Place on baking sheet. Optional: brush with a little orange juice and sprinkle sesame seeds.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
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