Celebrate with an Ouzorita - Happy Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo! To add to the celebration, here is a drink recipe for an Ouzorita. This smooth lime and anise taste blends together well. Some describe it as the Greek margarita and others a Greek Cosmopolitan. Either way, the Ouzorita will be a nice new drink to introduce to your friends. Ouzorita Ingredients 1. 1 lime wedge and kosher salt 2. ice 3. 1 1/2 ounces vodka 4. 1/2 ounce ouzo 5. 1/2 ounce triple sec 6. 1 ounce fresh lime juice Method 1. Moisten the outer rim of a martini glass with the lime wedge and coat lightly with salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the remaining ingredients, shake well and strain into the martini glass. Garnish with a lime. More recipes or to order the book, go to http://www.greekchiccuisine.com/

Spanakopita!

This a widely popular Greek recipe and traditional family favorite can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or a vegetarian meal. Spanakopita is my favorite Greek recipe! Most people serve as an appetizer, but make it a bit larger and add a Greek salad as an entree. It contains deliciously prepared spinach and feta cheese wrapped in layers of filo dough.

Serves: 6
Ingredients
10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1⁄2 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
2–3 tablespoons fresh or dried dill
10 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 pound filo, thawed
2 sticks of butter, melted
salt and pepper

Method

1. Sauté onions in a pan with 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. In a bowl, mix sautéed onions with spinach, Feta, eggs, dill, salt, pepper, and
remaining olive oil.
3. Take unwrapped filo and lay flat. Keep covered with a cloth. Take one filo sheet
and lightly brush with butter.
4. Place another sheet on top of the first sheet, and lightly butter it too.
5. Take 1⁄2 cup of the spinach mixture and place in the middle of the filo’s vertical or
short end.
6. Fold edges in and roll the filo, keeping it a small square.
7. Lightly butter the edges to seal the roll.
8. Place on a cookie sheet and repeat the process for each roll.
9. Bake at 350° F for 25 to 30 minutes on a cookie sheet until golden brown.
Optional:
Slice diagonally and arrange on serving tray.

Baked Feta Cheese Appetizer ~ Easy

Baked Feta Cheese Appetizer

Simple and easy to make appetizer. First tasted this in the Greek Islands at a luxious hotel. Bake it in a simple serving dish for all to share. This is my new recipe for parties.

Ingredients

1/2 lb feta (preferably Greek), rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

* Use any or all of the following topping.
1/4 teaspoon capers *optional
1/4 cup red onion, sliced *optional
1/4 cup red or green bell peppers, sliced *optional
1/4 cup roma tomatoe, sliced
10 Kalamata or other brine-cured black olives, pitted, rinsed, and sliced (1/4 cup)



Method

Preheat broiler.

1. Cut cheese into 1/2-inch-thick slices and divide evenly among 4 small flameproof baking dishes (or arrange in 1 layer in a large one). Sprinkle oregano and pepper over cheese.

2. Slice red peppers, red onions, tomatoes, olives then place on top of feta cheese. Drizzle topping with olive oil.

3. Broil on hi heat until edges of cheese are golden, about 5 minutes.

4. Serve warm with toasted pita wedges or crusty bread.

Shrimp alla Santorini

Great Class tonight at Whole Foods. Here is one of the many recipes we cooked tonight.

Shrimp alla Santorini


This recipe was inspired by the famous Greek Island of Santorini, where one can eat the fruit of the sea daily. Light island cooking is fresh and has so much natural flavor. May this entree
bring you closer to the Greek Islands.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
¼ cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
5 green onions, chopped
¼ cup dry white wine
1-2 garlic clove, minced
1 ½ pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined
5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
4 ounces Feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
2 tablespoons dried dill
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup orzo pasta, cooked

Method
1. Clean shrimp by shelling and deveining. Leaving the tail intact is optional. Rinse,drain, and dry with paper towels. Set aside.
2. In a pan, gently sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until transparent. Then add tomatoes, wine, dill, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add Shrimp and continue to stir.
Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until tomatoes are reduced.
3. Boil orzo pasta. Drain and rinse cooked orzo.
4. Place orzo in a baking dish and pour prepared sauce and mix. Sprinkle with Feta cheese and mix then top with extra feta.

5. Bake at 350° F for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm with
sliced bread.

Holiday Appetizer -Greek Meatballs ~ Keftethes

Keftethes

These Greek style meatballs are made with lightly seasoned ground beef and a hint of mint. They are full of flavor and irresistible. Greek Chic It: For Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, this is my mom’s favorite version. Toss keftethes into your favorite marinara sauce.

Serves: 8

Ingredients
1 pound lean, finely ground beef or veal
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
⅓ cup bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
3 ½ tablespoons fresh or dried mint
1 tablespoon dried parsley
¼ cup light Greek olive oil
¼ cup flour
salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef with onion, garlic, bread crumbs, mint, and parsley.
2. Season well with salt and pepper.
3. Mix ingredients well with hands. Add the beaten egg to bind the mixture together.
4. With damp hands, roll the meat mixture into small balls. In a separate dish, roll
meatballs into flour. Reroll to keep the form if necessary.
5. Add olive oil to a sauté pan. When oil is ready, place a few meatballs at a time into
the pan. Lightly brown on all sides until fully cooked on the inside.
6. Optional: partially cook meatballs by browning them in the pan, then place them
in the broiler and cook under medium heat for 10 to 15 more minutes, turning
frequently.
7. For dipping sauce, serve with tzatziki topping.

Let the baking begin...butter cookie recipe - Kourambiethes

Baking for Christmas starts with cookies. Just saw on the Today Show, Martha Stewart making some unique cookies to add to your holiday baking. My favorite unique Greek cookie is Kourambiethes. The are buttery and easy to make for Christmas. Athena & Eleni, my daughters, love these snow capped with powdered sugar round cookies every holiday. Santa gets this cookie on his plate and leaves a trail of powdered sugar..since we know Santa likes Greek cooking.

Merry Christmas and happy baking for the holidays!!!
www.greekchiccuisine.com
www.grecianoil.com

RECIPE
KourambiethesThis is the ultimate wedding cookie that melts in your mouth. It’s an easy-to-make, buttery
cookie beautifully decorated with powdered sugar and is great for special occasions.
Yield: 50–60
Ingredients
1 pound unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 egg yokes
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ounce whiskey
2 teaspoons almond extract
4 cups of flour (may not need all)
6 cups of powder sugar, sifted
60 baking cups
Method
1. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy Add egg yolks, almond
extract, and whiskey to the butter mixture.
2. Mix flour and baking powder, then add flour little-by-little to make soft dough
- a little greasier than dry consistency. It feels like play dough. Form a small,
smooth ball and lightly pinch with three fingers on top. Place on a cookie sheet.
Optional: shape dough into crescents or S-shaped cookies.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F for 20 to 25 minutes or until light brown in
color. Let cool.
4. Line table with wax paper and lightly sift powdered sugar over it. Place cookies on
top of the powdered sugar. Continue to sift powdered sugar over cookies until
they are completely covered with a mountain of sugar. Place in baking cups.
Greek Chic It: Cut kourambiethes cookie dough into hearts or stars with a cookie
cutter instead of balls for holidays or special occasions.

Easy Spice Cake for Fall with hot chocolate

Walnut Spice Cake - Karithopita

Karithopita or Walnut Spice cake is great dessert comfort food as the weather gets a bit cooler. All the ingredients and complex flavors of more difficult to make Greek desserts, this light walnut cake baked with hints of cinnamon spice flavors is quick and easy to make. Great any time of the day, this simple cake is sure to please your family. A warm piece of Karithopita is a wonderful addition to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Walnut Spice Cake - Karithopita

Serves: 24

Ingredients

1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tablespoon whiskey
2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ½ cups walnuts, finely chopped
24 baking cups

Syrup Topping Ingredients

½ cup honey
½ cup water
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Method

1. In an electric mixer, cream sugar and eggs one at a time until light and fluffy.
Slowly add oil, milk, and whiskey.
2. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda,
cinnamon, cloves and walnuts. Mix well. Fold into creamed mixture until blended
well.
3. Pour into a greased oven dish, 13 x 9 x 2 inches. Bake in an oven at 350° F for 20 to
25 minutes or until cooked when tested.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, boil honey and water. Then pour warm syrup
over cooled cake. Use enough syrup to saturate the cake. There may be some
remaining syrup.
5. When cake is cold, cut into diamond shapes and sprinkle with finely chopped
walnuts. Place each decorated cake into a baking cup and place on serving tray.

Greek Chic It: Serve with whipped cream in the center and cinnamon as a garnish. For Christmas, use red and green candied cherries on top.

Recipe courtesy of Greek Chic Cuisine Cookbook by Stephanie M. Patsalis. http://www.greekchiccuisine.com/ Now available at iBookstore.

Baklava Phyllo Brie

It's fall and this appetizer recipe reminds me of the season. Enjoy Baklava Phyllo Brie recipe, which takes minutes to make. Easy to bring to football parties on the weekends or when entertaining guests.
This traditional favorite has a Greek Chic twist with it's sweet and savory flavor. The brie is topped with nuts, cinnamon and honey and wrapped in phyllo dough.
When teaching cooking classes, I usually hear that phyllo is something people are not sure about trying. Phyllo is easy. If you make a mistake, butter over it. Don't want to mess with phyllo, then replace it with Pillsbury Crescent rolls.
*See other brie recipes below with Fig Preserve.

Enjoy!

Baklava Phyllo Brie
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
1 – 8 ounce wheel of brie
4 sheets phyllo, thawed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2–3 tablespoons honey
¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
Method
1. Mix walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Take each phyllo sheet and brush with melted butter. Stack each one on top of the
other in a slightly crisscrossed manner. Keep the unused phyllo covered with a cloth.
3. Place brie cheese in the center of the filo. Spread honey over the cheese and then
sprinkle the walnut mixture on top. Drizzle more honey over walnuts.
4. Wrap the buttered phyllo around the brie by gathering it around the top of cheese.
Cinch it to make a purse.
5. The phyllo should be fanned out on top. Trim if necessary.
6. Bake brie on a cookie sheet at 350° F for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let
stand for 10 minutes.
7. Serve with grapes, sliced apples, gourmet crackers, or pita bread.

Greek Chic It: Brie with Fig Preserves
1. Replace honey with 1–2 tablespoons store-bought fig preserves. Follow above
recipe for filo.
2. Instead of honey, spread the fig preserves over the brie and sprinkle chopped
walnuts on top and complete according to above directions for wrapping with filo
and baking.

Brie with Raspberry Preserves
1. Follow above recipe for phyllo.
2. Simple spread 1–2 tablespoons store bought raspberry preserves over

@Whole Foods Greek Brunch Ideas from Greek Chic

Greek Chic Cusine
Whole Foods this Week -Cooking Greek Chic Brunch Ideas like...Athenian Frittatas, Baklava Waffles and Santorini Sunrise Greek Yogurt...
Thursday, September 22 at 6 PM
www.wholefoods.com

Whole Foods Market: Natural and Organic Grocery
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Whole Foods Market is the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, with stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom

Cooking at Whole Foods -Greek Chic Brunch Ideas

Whole Foods this Week -Cooking Greek Chic Brunch Ideas like...Athenian Frittatas, Baklava Waffles and Santorini Sunrise Greek Yogurt...
Thursday, September 22 at 6 PM
www.wholefoods.com

Greek Yogurt Dips ~ Pesto Yogurt Dip and Kalamata Spread

After a few weeks of vacationing, I enjoyed my time off to explore various culinary scenes. Being a foodie, it's hard not to always think of food and new recipes. I found so much inspiration with new recipes to share in next upcoming blogs.

End of summer is coming, but keep entertaining with some cool refreshing appetizers. This is an easy appetizer that I eat as an appetizer before making our dinner. It's a great appetizer. Greek Yogurt Dips - Kalamata Spread and Pesto Dip.

With the ever popular, Greek Yogurt (FAGE being my favorite) advertised as the thickest and healthiest, I have found that it's not just for breakfast. Replace your sour cream with Greek FAGE yogurt with any recipe and start eating the Mediterranean Diet way.


Greek Yogurt Dips ~ Enjoy these easy to make in 10 minutes dips for your next party. They are light and refreshing for summer entertaining. Also, great sandwich spreads to add flavor.

KALAMATA Spread

Ingredients

1 cup FAGE yogurt
2 tablespoon Kalamata Olive Tapenade or finely chopped Kalamata Olives
Pita Chips

Method

1. In a bowl, mix FAGE Greek yogurt and Kalamata Olives or Tapenade. Mix well and place in a decorative bowl. Garnish with a whole Kalamata olive and serve with pita chips.

Pesto Yogurt Dip

Ingredients

1 cup FAGE yogurt
2 tablespoon pesto sauce
Pita Chips

Method

1. In a bowl, mix FAGE Greek yogurt and pesto sauce. Mix well and place in a decorative bowl. Garnish with a sprig of basil leaves and serve with pita chips.

Gyro Lettuce Wraps and Tzatziki

Gyros or Gyros Lettuce Wraps

These are known as a popular Greek fast food item. The term is pronounced “yee-ros,”
which translates to “round.” This pita bread sandwich is stacked high with marinated meat, tomatoes, onions, and the secret special sauce - Tzatziki. Greek Chic It and cut the carbohydrates by making a Gyro Lettuce Wrap (recipe variation below).

Serves: 4

Ingredients
4 (4 ounce) chicken breasts or 12 ounces steak
3 tomatoes, sliced
¼ red onion, chopped
1 cup tzatziki topping sauce (See recipe below)
4 pieces pita bread, heated or grilled
Oregano Lemon Marinade
3/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon oregano
2 tablespoons lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Method
1. In a bowl, make marinade by whisking olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and
pepper. Place meat in marinade until grilling.
2. Prepare tzatziki topping sauce.
3. Dice tomatoes and chopped onions. Set aside.
4. Cook marinated chicken or steak on outdoor grill or non-stick grill pan on
medium heat until fully cooked and the inside temperature is 160° F. Slice into
strips and set aside.
5. Brush pita bread with olive oil and lightly brown on a grill or warm in an oven.
6. Take each piece of heated or grilled pita bread, top with some grilled chicken or
steak, tomatoes, and onions, and then add a dollop of tzatziki topping sauce.

Greek Chic It: Gyro Lettuce Wrap
1. Make a Greek lettuce wrap by replacing the pita bread with a large romaine
lettuce leaf.
2. Follow above cooking directions. Place chicken, tomato, lettuce, onions, and
tzatziki sauce in romaine lettuce leaf. Serve on a large serving platter.

Tzatziki Topping
This simple and delicious tzatziki topping is from a family that knows how to cook
exceptional Greek food. Keep this one on hand to be used as a topping, condiment, or
sandwich spread. These few ingredients release big, authentic flavor.
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
1 cucumber, grated with skin
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt

Method
1. Grate the cucumber using the large holes on a cheese grater. Extract the seeds.
2. Squeeze excess liquid from cucumbers through a strainer. Discard excess juice.
3. Mix cucumber, yogurt, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.

Greek Chic @Whole Foods - Go Greek July 14th

Greek Chic @ Whole Foods Cooking Class
Let's Get the Party Started - Appetizer Class www.greekchiccuisine.com
On the Menu.. Spanakopita, Chicken Souvlakia with a side of tzatziki, and Goat Cheese Kisses
Whole Foods Cooking Class Thursday, July 14 @ 6:00 PM

Menu Ideas with Greek Chic
Enjoy some Mediterranean Wines will eating and learning new Mediterranean Diet recipes

Feta Cheese Burger. Go Greek Tonight- Grill a gourmet burger..

Feta Cheese Burger. Go Greek Tonight- Grill a gourmet burger..

Instead of boring regular cheese burgers this holiday weekend, zip it up with Greek Feta Cheese Burgers. Add variety to your grilling the simple way.

The cheeseburger—pronounced in Greek “tzeezburger” by my yiayia (grandmother). These
mini burgers are seasoned to perfection and are sure to be enjoyed by your family. Hints of Mediterranean spices add variety to an everyday cheeseburger.

www.greekchiccuisine.com


Mini Greek Tzeezburgers
Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
1–2 cloves of garlic, chopped
6 mini pita breads or mini buns
½ cucumber, julienned
¼ red onion, thinly sliced

Method
1. In a large bowl, mix hamburger, bread crumbs, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and
salt.
2. Shape beef mixture into patties about ¼ inch thick.
3. Cook patties over a medium heat on nonstick grill pan or grill for about 3 minutes.
Turn patties and cook for 2 to 4 minutes longer or until inside temperature is
160°F. Remove patties and cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining patties.
4. Place patties on pita or bun bottom. Top with tzatziki topping sauce and slices of
cucumber and onion.
Greek Chic It: Melt Feta cheese slices on top of burgers and serve open face. Serve with Tzatziki Sauce.

Greek Chic @ Whole Foods Cooking Class Summer Recipes

Whole Foods Cooking Class Thursday, June 30th @ 5:30 PM
Summer Entertaining Menu Ideas with Greek Chic
Enjoy some Mediterranean Wines will eating and learning new summer recipes
www.wholefoods.com

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.