Tag Archives: greek

Healthy Cuisine Choices – Part 1

Growing up in the south, I knew my food wasn’t health. Everything is battered, fried, and usually dunked in some type of sauce and gravy. Although it normally tastes incredible, as I aged, I realize that I need to change the way I eat and began looking for healthier alternatives. Here are a few cuisines that provide health choices, provided you don’t “Americanize” them. Follow traditional recipes and they will not only be yummy but nutritious as well. Vietnamese We recently visited Philly and ate at a wonderful Vietnamese restaurant. It was my first experience with this cuisine, but I … Continue reading →

International Chicken Salads

I love the Cheesecake Factory’s Luau Salad (and not just because I was born and raised in Hawaii). The culinary creation is piled high with grilled chicken, mixed greens, cucumbers, red and yellow peppers, green beans, carrots, mouthwatering mango and crisp wontons. It’s topped with macadamia nuts and sesame seeds, and dressed with a to die for vinaigrette. The problem is, it’s not cheap. Sure, the portion size is generous, but I always get a tinge of guilt ordering it because it’s something that I could easily make at home (save for the wontons). I’m the type of person who … Continue reading →

Pizzas with Pizzazz

Believe it or not this blog was inspired by Valorie’s recent post discussing the pros and cons of playgroups. I (or rather, my daughter) belong to two different playgroups. One in the city we currently live in and one in the city where I used to work. (They are about 30 miles apart from each other.) We typically meet about three times a month. The kids have a ball playing with each other and the moms enjoy swapping anecdotes and war stories. Oh, and did I mention food was involved. Our playgroups have evolved into mini potlucks and on special … Continue reading →

Chicken Souvlaki Gyro Style

For this tasty recipe, you will need balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground black pepper, four skinless, boneless chicken breasts, one large cucumber, kosher salt, plain yogurt, sour cream, rice vinegar, garlic cloves, olive oil, fresh dill, Greek seasoning, pita rounds, romaine lettuce, one red onion, one medium tomato, kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers, and crumbled feta cheese. To prep for this recipe, you will need to seed and shred the cucumber. You need enough for 1/2 cup. Mince one garlic clove and chop the fresh dill. Cut your lettuce into 1/4 inch slices and slice your red onion and … Continue reading →

Greek Feta Cheese Pie

This is a truly delicious recipe. Tweaked to my liking, it is fluffy, moist, and divine. It closely resembles a crust less quiche, but the texture is smoother. It easily lifts out of the pan into squares and can be eaten any time of day. My husband prefers it in the morning with tea or coffee. Be sure to see my Tips at the bottom of the page. For this recipe, you’ll need: Three (8oz) packages Feta Cheese (you’ll use 2 ½ packages – 20 ounces) 2 Cups Plain Yogurt (If you have Mountain High brand, it works well. Otherwise, … Continue reading →

Greek Salad (aka-Shepard’s Salad)

I commonly refer to this salad as Greek Salad because that’s what most people relate it to. However, I am married to a Turk, and in Turkey, this salad is called Shepard’s Salad. Either way you choose to say it, the result is a colorful, flavorful mix of fresh ingredients that will leave you wanting more. For this recipe you will need: 4-5 large tomatoes, seeded and diced (not too small, not too big-large bite sizes work best) 2-3 Cucumbers, peeled and diced 1 red onion, peeled and diced ½ Cup fresh Italian Parsley, chopped 1 1/2 Cups Kalamata Olives … Continue reading →

Tzatziki – A Yummy Greek Dip

If you’ve ever visited Greece or Turkey, then you’ll know what I’m talking about when I tell you that the food is sublime. Fresh breads abound and every meal is filled with fresh, delicious ingredients that melt in your mouth and tingle your tongue with each and every bite. If you’ve eaten a Gyro, you know, one of those pita sandwiches that you can find at Greek or Middle Eastern restaurants and cafes, then it likely came with a side of Tzatziki. But what you may not know is that this dip is delicious served with any meat, from chicken … Continue reading →