The Greek Pita

Most people think a pita is a circle of bread to wrap around meat or vegetables. To a Greek, a pita is pie that contains sweet or savory filling surrounded by layers of flaky phyllo pastry dough. Come explore the world of the fabulous Greek pita!

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• Fabulous Greek Pitas
• All About Phyllo Dough
• Make Your Own Phyllo

A Celebratory Feast

Wednesday August 10, 2011

The Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15th each year. This is the day that we honor the "falling asleep" or Kimisis (KEE-mee-sees) of the Theotokos, or Mother of God.
The feast day happens to coincide with the period of time that most Greeks break for Summer holiday. There is a great exodus from the city as people depart Athens and head to their family villages and island homes.
If you happen to be named Mary, Maria, Marie, Panagiota, Panagiotis, Despina, or any other name derived from the Virgin Mary, then the 15th of August is your feast day.
The greeting for someone celebrating his or her patron saint's day is, "Hronia Polla" which translates to a wish for "many years." After church services, friends and family will travel from home to home to greet the name day celebrants and to offer their wishes in person.
In return, the celebrant is expected to put out a spread for their guests in the typical Greek style of entertaining which means tons of food and sweets. Having fasted for the two weeks prior, it's time to feast.
In a traditional Greek home, the Roast Leg of Lamb with Potatoes is a customary offering for holidays and gatherings.
This is my simple recipe for Roast Leg of Lamb with Potatoes which I offer with many good wishes for Hronia Polla to all those that celebrate.

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Artichoke Pie with Leek - Aginaropita

Monday July 25, 2011

This recipe for Artichoke Pie or Pita is a traditional favorite of the beautiful island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea.
Tender baby artichokes are combined with green onions, leek, and a combination of Greek cheeses then layered with flaky phyllo pastry and baked until crisp and golden brown.
You can make a full pan of the pita or use the filling to make individual finger-friendly phyllo triangles. Enjoy this recipe on its own as a light meal or pair it with an entrée as a side dish.
If artichokes are out of season or not readily available, you can easily substitute frozen or canned artichokes in the recipe.
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Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Wednesday July 20, 2011

Here's a quick and easy recipe for a delicious pasta salad that will perk up your next party or gathering. The secret is in the tangy Greek yogurt dressing.
The recipe makes enough pasta salad for a crowd, so feel free to cut in half if you have a smaller group.
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Spanakopita Tart with Bacon and Mushrooms

Friday July 15, 2011

Every now and again I like to take a traditional recipe and change it up a bit. What can I say, that's my idea of entertainment!
This recipe was inspired by a spinach salad that I love that has crumbles of crisp, smoky, bacon. It's much like a traditional Spanakopita except I've added bacon and mushrooms to the mixture.