Baking Greek Christmas Cookies with Yaya — Melomacarona (mel-lo-ma-CA-ro-na)
December 20th, 2009
I was lucky enough to spend this Saturday making traditional Greek Christmas cookies! I have grown up eating these cookies every December – it was about time I learned how to make them. I know the cookies will never be as good as grandma’s, but a girl can try! Thank you for sharing the recipe with me yaya!
Ingredients:
Ð 1 cup butter, melted
Ð ¾ cup Mazola oil
Ð ¾ cup sugar
Ð ½ cup orange juice
Ð 1tablespoon orange rind, grated
Ð 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Ð 1 teaspoon cloves
Ð ½ cup brandy or whiskey
Ð 7 cups flour, sifted (Grandma uses 5 cups regular flour, 2 cups of Bob’s Red Mil No.1 Durum Wheat, Semolina flour)
Ð 4 teaspoons baking powder (Grandma’s uses soda)
Ð 1 cup ground walnuts and cinnamon
Ð Honey Syrup (see instructions below)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Blend together butter, oil and sugar. Mix well.
- Add orange juice, rind and brandy/whiskey. Continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Sift flour with backing powder, cinnamon and cloves. Gradually add to liquid mixture, stirring well, until all flour is used.
- Use your hands to knead dough lightly.
- Scoop up about a tablespoon of dough and form oval shaped cookies. Place on cookie sheet.
- With a fork, press in lightly (making small holes) across tops of honey cookies (it will help the Honey Syrup soak in later.)
- Bake in oven (325 degrees) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool in wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Make Honey Syrup (see directions below).
- Dip cookies into warm Honey Syrup. Lift out with slotted spoon, and sprinkle nuts and cinnamon to taste.
Honey Syrup
Ingredients
Ð 1 cup sugar
Ð 2 cups water
Ð 3/4 cup honey
Ð 1 cinnamon stick
Ð 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Ð 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
Directions:
- In a saucepan, cook all ingredients, except honey, for 10 minutes.
- Add honey and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Posted in Greek Food | Comments (1)
Naxos – Agios Prokopios Beach
December 8th, 2009
On what would be considered a cold day in Los Angeles (50 degrees F), I can’t help but think back to my summer in Greece: where the sun would brown my skin, where I would sip on an ice-cold frappe on the beach followed by a dip in the warm, translucent sea…
My favorite beach on Naxos is Agios Prokopios. Instead of sand, you’ll find tiny pebbles that seem to make the water clearer and the beach easier to walk on. Part of the beach is organized, meaning there are lounge chairs with umbrellas as well as restaurants and cafes that will serve you on the beach! Walk down past the people and find yourself alone where there is plenty of privacy.
The best time on the beach for me is the late afternoon when the sun begins to set and the sea is placid — always, a sense of calmness and clarity overtakes my mind and body. (I should mention that the stillness might be interrupted by adorable, but loud Greek kids– since the sun is not as strong around this time, families with babies and small children typically come down to the beach for an afternoon dip in sea.)
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September 11-13 – LA Greek Fest – Live Performance by Anna Vissi
August 18th, 2009
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Kalomira Live in LA – Pictures from the show
June 26th, 2009
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Visit Naxos Island!
June 23rd, 2009
I could easily argue that Naxos is the best island for those who dream of gorgeous beaches, delectable home-cooked Greek dishes and time to relax without herds of annoying tourists.
I must admit though, I might be a little bias because I’ve traveled to Naxos with locals. I can guarantee that the warmth you feel from the locals is genuine and the translucent sea that you play in will clear your mind of any woes back home. Be sure to visit the Agios Prokopios – one of my favorite beaches in Greece!
I’ll be enjoying Naxos in a few weeks. It will be the end of our trip to Greece and we’ll be ready to relax and soak in the sun. For that very reason, we’ve decided to stay at the Galaxy Hotel, which sits a few steps from the beach (Agios Georgios). Ideally located, we’ll be in walking distance of the town too.
According to the site, the hotel has just been renovated to the traditional Cycladic architectural style and boasts modern comfort and exceptional service. A Greek friend gave me the recommendation to stay at the Galaxy Hotel. Considering his family lives on the island, I’m sure we’ll love it. I’ll be sure to report back on my experience with my own photos!
Galaxy Hotel – Naxos
http://www.hotel-galaxy.com/
Agios Georgios
Tel: +30 22850 22422
July – Standard Room rate: 150 Euro
(photo 1: Galaxy Hotel)
(photo 2: Charles Haynes)
Posted in Hotels, Islands, Travel | Comments (0)
South Bay Greek Festival, CA – July 10- 12th
June 22nd, 2009
Proudly Sponsored by St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
Three days of music, dancing, art & crafts, kid games and the best Greek food in town!
When: July 10-12 — Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-9 pm
Where: The South Bay Greek Festival is held at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, located at 722 Knob Hill in Redondo Beach, California between Pacific Coast Highway & Prospect Avenue
Cost: $2, Free for kids under 12, $1 seniors, Free with coupon on website.
More Info: www.sbgreekfestival.com
(310) 540-2434
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LA Greek Night – Live Performance – Kalomira – June 25
June 5th, 2009
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Glykeria and Kostas Karafotis Live In Concert (California)
May 31st, 2009
Glykeria and Kostas Karafotis Live In Concert
Sunday June 14th 2009 & 7:00 p.m.
at Bagramian Hall, Montebello, CA
This show includes 14 Musicians along with Glykeria and Kostas Karafotis – Bouzoukia Style Seating and Large Dancefloor – Full Dinner and Bottle Service Included
Beautiful hall with raised dance floor and excellent views from all the seats in the house –
Tixs Available Now
Email gus_sverkos@yahoo.com / 562 388 3434
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Hotels in Athens: Great Deals – Prices for June/July
May 14th, 2009
I’m planning my own trip to Athens this summer. I researched a couple of hotels this week and found some great values, which speaks volumes about the effects of the struggling global economy, exchange rates and low levels of consumer confidence.
TIP: When researching hotels in Greece, I suggest checking online and also calling the hotel’s reservation desk. A little kindness and discussion of comparable rates can go a long way!
I compiled some of the rates I found online below. There are many more hotels out there, but these are a few I would recommend. (Rates are subject to change, all prices in Euros; not including Taxes unless noted):
Athens Hilton (5 Stars)
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ATHHITW-Hilton-Athens/index.do
BEST VALUE at time of research
Hilton comfort, great location in the center of the city, with pool
End of June: Advanced pay with no refund: 144 Euros/night
AAA rate: 170 Euros/night
Early July: Advanced pay with no refund: 144 Euros/night
AAA rate: 170 Euros/night
The Electra Palace Hotel (5 Stars)
http://www.electrahotels.gr/electra-palace-athens/index.html
End of June: 195 Euros/night (includes taxes and breakfast)
Early July: 184 Euros/night (includes taxes and breakfast)
Room with View of Acropolis:215 Euros/night (includes taxes and breakfast)
Hotel Grande Bretagne (5 Stars)
www.grandebretagne.gr
Heart of the city, walking distance of Acropolis, with pool
(For more info click here)
End of June: 279 Euros/night
Early July: 279 Euros/night
Herodion Hotel (4 Stars)
http://www.herodion.gr/
Heart of the city, walking distance of Acropolis, no pool (with roof top Jacuzzi and sun deck)
Early June: 169 Euros/night
Late July: 132 Euros /night
The Electra Hotel (4 Stars)
http://www.electrahotels.gr/electra-hotel-athens/index.html
Heart of the city (on Ermou street), walking distance of Acropolis, no pool
End of June: 140 Euros/night
Early July: 122 Euros/night
Hotel Philippos (3 stars)
http://www.philipposhotel.gr/
Heart of the city, walking distance of Acropolis, no pool
End of June: 140 Euros/night
Early July: 101 Euros/night
Posted in Athens Accommodations | Comments (1)
Greek Nights in Long Beach
May 12th, 2009
Tags: Bouzoukia, DJ Gus Sverkos, DJ Trellas, George's Greek Cafe, LA Greeks, Rebetika, Santorini Nights, Soudeniotes
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Celebrate Name Days in May
May 11th, 2009
Around the world we celebrate birthdays, but traditionally, the Greeks place more significance on their Name Days.
Name Days are not birthdays. Name Days, or holy days, date back to Ancient Greece. According to the Orthodox Church, every day of the year has been dedicated to the memory of a Saint or a martyr from the Holy Bible and Holy Tradition. Additionally, each region and island in Greece has a patron saint. Locals from those areas and islands will often name a child after its patron saint.
All ages celebrate Name Days. Typically on one’s Name Day, you’ll see children bring sweets to grade school while adults bring sweets to work. The day is celebrated with a big feast, family and friends, and small presents may be given. Additionally, youth may go out to celebrate the occasion with their friends, as many do on their birthday. The emphasis is more on celebrating rather than gifts.
Name Days in May:
May 2 – Zoodochou Pigis
May 3 – Timotheou
May 4 – Pelagias
May 5 – Eirinis
May 6 – Serafim
May 7 – Akakiou
May 9 – Christoforou
May 10 – Simonos
May 11 – Kurillou & Methodou
May 13 – Sergiou / Glykerias
May 15 – Paxomiou
May 17 – Andronikou
May 18 – Ioulias
May 19 – Menandriou
May 21 – Kon/nou & Elenis
May 27 – Ioannou Rosou
May 28 – Tis Analipseos
May 29 – Theodosias
May 30 – Isaakio
Χρόνια πολλά!
Tags: greek birthday, nameday, orthodox
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Happy Mother’s Day! Χαρούμένη Ημέρα της Μητέρας!
May 10th, 2009
As most traditions go, follow them back to the beginning, and you’ll find Greece at the root. Mother’s Day is no different.
Mother’s Day is centuries old. In fact, this spring celebration began in Ancient Greece as the celebration of Rhea (Ῥέα), the Mother of the Gods.
As the myth is told, Kronos, Rhea’s husband, learned that he was to be conquered by his own children. Consequently, Kronos swallowed his children as soon as they were born, including Demeter, Hades, Hera, Hestia and Poseidon. But the Rhea devised a plan to save her sixth-born child, Zeus. Immediately after Zeus’ birth, Rhea wrapped a stone up in cloth. Kronos swallowed this stone, believing it to be Zeus, while Rhea hid Zeus away in Crete. Later, Zeus, the King of Gods, overthrew Kronos and forced him to expel the siblings. (Ironically, Zeus would swallow Metis, an unsuccessful effort to prevent the birth of Athena, the goddess of the arts and wisdom).
Compared to that legend, the rest of Mother’s Day history is much less dramatic. In England during the 1600’s, Christians celebrated a day to honor Mary, the mother of Christ. Later, calling it “Mothering Sunday,” the day was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40-day period leading up to Easter) and recognized all the mothers of England.
In the U.S. in 1872, Julia Ward Howe (author of the Battle hymn of the Republic) proposed the holiday as a day of peace. And it wasn’t until 1914 that President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May, Mother’s Day, a national holiday.
In Greece, Mother’s day is also the second Sunday of May.
Happy Mother’s Day! Χαρούμένη Ημέρα της Μητέρας!
Tags: mama, yaya
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In ancient Greece, bankruptcy did not exist…
April 30th, 2009
In the face of a suffering economy, our government and many organizations are talking about what bankruptcy means for businesses, employees and consumers.
While the word bankruptcy does not come from the Greek language, it’s interesting to examine why, in ancient Greece, bankruptcy did not exist:
If a father owed (since only locally born adult males could be citizens, it was fathers who were legal owners of property) and he could not pay, his entire family of wife, children and servants were forced into “debt slavery”, until the creditor recouped losses via their physical labor. Many city-states in ancient Greece limited debt slavery to a period of five years and debt slaves had protection of life and limb, which regular slaves did not enjoy. However, servants of the debtor could be retained beyond that deadline by the creditor and were often forced to serve their new lord for a lifetime, usually under significantly harsher conditions.
(Source: Wikipedia)
I’m not suggesting Chrysler should revert to Ancient Greece’s methods of avoiding bankruptcy, but it’s interesting to gain perspective on some ancient traditions and how far we’ve come.
(photo: heipei)
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Photos: Anna Vissi’s Album Release Party in L.A.
April 29th, 2009
Anna Vissi at Area nightclub - Hollywood, CA
Anna performed on a small stage. We were only a few feet away.
And the crowd goes wild...
As always, Anna invited a few fans on stage for some dancing!
Tags: Anna Vissi, CD, Easter, Music
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St. John the Baptist Greek Festival (May 15-17) – Anaheim, CA
April 29th, 2009
When: Friday, May 15 @ 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, May 16 @ 12 noon – 10:00 pm
Sunday, May 17 @ 12 noon – 10:00 pm
Where: 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim, CA 92801
Free Shuttle Service from Buena Park Mall
Cost: $3.00 Admission — Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Seniors Free, Saturday before 4:00pm
Free Admission to Children 12 and Under
Free Admission to all Military, Police and Fire Personnel (with ID)
More Info: www.go-stjohns.org
(714) 827-0181
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