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redsoxdw_

Active member
I’ve been making spanakopita for years, and it usually turns out perfectly crisp and golden, but the last two times, it came out soggy, especially on the bottom. The only thing I changed was the spinach brand. I started using a different baby spinach that looked really fresh, but I’m starting to wonder if that’s the culprit.

I sautéed and drained it like always, but it still seemed to release more liquid than usual once the pie baked. Could this be because baby spinach has a higher water content? Or maybe the new brand is prewashed and holding too much moisture? If this is really it, what do I do?
 

Favorite Herbs for Dolmades?

I’ve been experimenting with different herb combinations for dolmades lately, and I’m curious what everyone else uses. Traditionally I’ve seen recipes with dill, parsley, mint, or even a mix of all three — but I’ve found that mint really makes the flavor pop. It gives the filling such a fresh, aromatic lift that balances the rice and olive oil beautifully.

Sometimes I’ll add a touch of dill for depth, or parsley if I want something more earthy, but mint always seems to bring everything together. I’ve also noticed some regions lean heavily on dill, while others skip it entirely.

Do you find that certain herbs make your dolmades taste more authentic or closer to how your family used to make them? Do you adjust depending on whether they’re meat-filled or vegetarian?

Which type of Pita do you like the best?

There are so many kinds of pita in Greek cooking — soft, fluffy ones for gyros, thin crisp ones used with dips, and even regional styles that vary from Crete to Thessaloniki. Some are brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano before baking, others stay plain to let the fillings shine.

Personally, I love the slightly thicker kind that gets charred on the grill — perfect for wrapping souvlaki or scooping up tzatziki. But the paper-thin, crispy ones have their own charm, especially fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.

What about you? Do you prefer your pita soft, chewy, crispy, or stuffed? And do you make it at home or buy it fresh from a bakery? Share your favorites and any regional recipes you love!

What Are You Baking This Holiday Season?

Every holiday season, my kitchen fills with the smell of butter, honey, and toasted nuts, it’s not Christmas without a tray (or three!) of melomakarona and kourabiedes cooling on the counter. I still remember rolling them by hand with my yiayia and dusting everything in sugar until the whole room sparkled.

Now that I bake on my own, I’ve started adding little twists, a drizzle of dark chocolate on the melomakarona, or orange zest in the dough. Some years I even make tsoureki for the holidays instead of waiting for Easter.

I’m curious — what are your Greek holiday baking traditions? Do you stay loyal to the classic recipes, or try modern variations? Any family stories behind your favorite sweets? I’d love to hear what’s in your oven this season and which recipes you can’t celebrate without.

What makes the perfect pastitsio?

I know everyone’s got their own way of making pastitsio, and I’m curious what you all think makes it perfect. I’m Greek and have been making it for years, but I swear every family has a different take, even just within my circle of friends, no two versions are the same!

For me, the key is a good, fluffy krema on top, which makes it not too dense, not too thin — and a meat layer that’s rich but not overly heavy. I also like just a hint of tomato sauce mixed in with the meat; it gives it depth and color without turning it into makaronia me kima.

Do you prefer a spiced meat sauce or something milder? Do you bake it until it’s firm or leave it soft and creamy? I’d love to hear your tricks, family secrets, and regional twists!

What pasta do you use for pastritsio?

I usually use the long, hollow macaroni no.2 from Greece when I make pastitsio. It’s the classic kind that gives you those perfect layers that I love. The problem is, I can’t always find it locally, and ordering online isn’t always convenient (or quick).

When I don’t have it on hand, I start to panic a bit. Pastitsio just doesn’t feel the same without the right pasta! I’ve tried ziti, penne, and even bucatini in a pinch, but nothing seems to hold up quite like the Greek version. I’m curious what everyone else does when they can’t find the real thing.

Do you have a favorite substitute that still gives that authentic texture? Or do you swear by only using the traditional Greek macaroni? I’d love to hear what’s worked for others, especially if you’ve discovered any good brands available in the U.S.
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