Chocolate Banana Loukoumades!

Celebrate by making Loukoumathes.Greek donuts, known as Loukoumathes, are fun to make and eat. Loukoumathes are celebratory and usually served for name-day celebrations in the Greek tradition. They are light, fluffy, and stacked high with honey, cinnamon, and nuts. Greek Chic them by stuffing each one with banana and drizzle with chocolate. My favorite way to eat them...yummy!


Loukoumathes Recipe

Serves: 10–15
Batter Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast
¼ cup water
1 cup milk, lukewarm
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Topping Ingredients
1 pint honey, warm
5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped

Method
1. Dissolve yeast in a large measuring cup with ¼ cup 120 degree water and a
teaspoon of sugar to activate. Mix, cover with a plate, and place under a light until
it doubles in size.
2. In a separate bowl, add milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, egg, and lukewarm melted
butter. Then add activated yeast.
3. Sift flour and salt into a warm bowl and gradually stir in mixed liquids. Beat until
smooth and continue beating for 1 minute.
4. Cover with a folded cloth and leave in a warm place for 1 ½ hours. Batter should
double in bulk and have bubbles on the surface.
5. In a large pot or fryer, heat oil to 350° F.
6. Stir batter well. Take a teaspoon of dough, use a small spoon to push dough off,
and drop a small ball into deep hot oil. (Drop 4 or 5 balls at a time.) They should
float to the top right away. Turn each to brown them evenly. Takes about 1 minute
to cook. Remove with slotted spoon.
7. Drain on a paper towel. Place loukoumathes on a plate and sprinkle each stacked
layer with warm honey, cinnamon, and walnuts. Serve hot.

Greek Chic It: Banana-Chocolate Loukoumathes
Cut a small banana slice and place in the center of each ball of batter before frying
them. When serving cooked banana loukoumathes, drizzle with chocolate syrup and
nuts. This is incredible!

Eliana says...Happy Name Day to my daughter, Eleni and all the Elenis and Constantinoses!

Happy Name Day/ Xronia Polla to my daughter, Eleni and all the Elenis and Constantinoses!! We celebrated with my Koumbara, Dina, and my mother, Eleni along with her daughter, Eliana at her father's restaurant...John's Grecian Delight. Amazing Chicken Gyros with the best Tzatziki and Greek Style fries. Eliana says Xronia Polla to all!


Celebrate by making Loukoumathes.Greek donuts, known as Loukoumathes, are fun to make and eat. Loukoumathes are
celebratory and usually served for name-day celebrations in the Greek tradition. They are light, fluffy, and stacked high with honey, cinnamon, and nuts. Greek Chic them by stuffing each one with banana and drizzling with chocolate. My favorite way to eat them...yummy!


Loukoumathes Recipe

Serves: 10–15
Batter Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast
¼ cup water
1 cup milk, lukewarm
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Topping Ingredients
1 pint honey, warm
5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped

Method
1. Dissolve yeast in a large measuring cup with ¼ cup 120 degree water and a
teaspoon of sugar to activate. Mix, cover with a plate, and place under a light until
it doubles in size.
2. In a separate bowl, add milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, egg, and lukewarm melted
butter. Then add activated yeast.
3. Sift flour and salt into a warm bowl and gradually stir in mixed liquids. Beat until
smooth and continue beating for 1 minute.
4. Cover with a folded cloth and leave in a warm place for 1 ½ hours. Batter should
double in bulk and have bubbles on the surface.
5. In a large pot or fryer, heat oil to 350° F.
6. Stir batter well. Take a teaspoon of dough, use a small spoon to push dough off,
and drop a small ball into deep hot oil. (Drop 4 or 5 balls at a time.) They should
float to the top right away. Turn each to brown them evenly. Takes about 1 minute
to cook. Remove with slotted spoon.
7. Drain on a paper towel. Place loukoumathes on a plate and sprinkle each stacked
layer with warm honey, cinnamon, and walnuts. Serve hot.

Greek Chic It: Banana-Chocolate Loukoumathes
Cut a small banana slice and place in the center of each ball of batter before frying
them. When serving cooked banana loukoumathes, drizzle with chocolate syrup and
nuts. This is incredible!

John's Grecian Delight Restaurant
1001 Fort Crook Rd N
Bellevue, NE 68005

(402) 731-8022

New Cooking Video - It's Greek to Me Chicken and Potatoes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok6-yF8Xu2Y

Ammos Estiatorio NYC

Recently in New York, I found myself at an incredible restaurant, Ammos Estiatorio. Perfectly located for convenience next to Grand Central Station, we felt the open airy feeling was so inviting.
http://ammosnewyork.com/

Ambiance and an incredible menu of Greek selections from appetizers, entrees and even a Pre/Post Theater Menu. "Ammos" is the Greek word for sand which are reflected in the sandstone pillars that line this open and airy restaurant. Awarded five stars by City Search, the reviewer says and quote, "Chic meets Greek on the edge of Grand Central at this elegant Estiatorio, serving food fit for a Greek god."

That evening, we were greeted by restaurant manager, John Andriotis, who showed us the warmest hospitality making our evening extra special. For a late dinner, we enjoyed a sample of Ammos' Keftedes, baked sirloin meatballs in a tomato sauce along with Macaronia tis Yiayias, pasta served with traditional Greek meat sauce. Two of my personal favorites that I love to eat at home. For dessert, John Andriotis, sent a dessert tray with a sampling of their most popular. When dining at Ammos don't skip dessert and try their unique extensive list like Karidopita with fig ice cream or Milopita, apple tart with ouzo ice cream and much more.

Next time I'm there, I have already planned out what I want to try next on their menu, which will be either their fresh fish Fagri (White Snapper) entree or Ammos Lamb Pita along with Sokolata Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Coulis and Ouzo Whipped Cream.

Ammos Estiatorio http://ammosnewyork.com/
212-922-9999
52 Vanderbilt Avenue and 45th Street
New York, NY

Saganki (Flaming Cheese) Greek Night Party

With only a few ingredients and a flame, this party turned into a fun flaming cheese party. After being asked by Dr. Brian and Holly Pendley to do a Greek Chic cooking demonstration for a group of friends, the party planning began. Holly had great ideas to incorporate the theme from the food, wine, beer and Greek music. Greek appetizers were served and all tried their hand in cooking Greek appetizers, but the best demonstration was the Saganaki. Dr. Brian had the idea to bring Saganaki as one of the featured food demonstrations. He was a pro cook as scene in the pictures along with friend, Chad Zimmerman, who was also a natural. The men really enjoyed lighting the cheese on fire and saying "Opa".

Saganaki served in most Greek restaurants is harder than most think to get the cheese perfectly crispy along with not catching the house on fire. Ingredients pictured above consist of square of Kesseri cheese lightly floured and lightly pan friend in vegetable oil in pan. Taking the cheese off the burner in the pan, a shot of brandy was poured over the top then lit on fire while squeezing lemon over the top to put out flame. All loved the lemon fried cheese taste! Thanks to Sqourakis Family of Greek Islands for providing the items for Saganaki and the Greek wines for the evening.

Finally, the evening ending with Zorba the Greek Dance! The Pendley Family and friends are all now honorary Greeks.