I love avocados so much, it was inevitable for me not to incorporate them in another all-time favorite dish – pasta! The creaminess of the avocado compliments this pasta so well, one would think I added double cream. Continue reading
Month: March 2016
My Mom’s “Spanakorizo” (Spinach and Rice)
Growing up watching Popeye the sailor man, eating spinach from a can, had me convinced that spinach was my way of becoming super woman. Time passed and the closest I got to acquiring super powers, was when I accidentally almost electrocuted myself by sticking a nail into a plug (the fact that I’m alive, puts me in the “people with special powers hall of fame”!). Continue reading
Roasted Sea Bream with Green Olives and Coriander
In Cyprus we like our olives “tsakistes”. The direct translation of the word is “crushed”. That of course, doesn’t mean we crush them to bits. Actually, we crush them by hand with a stone, only until they split. Then we cure them and dress them with olive oil, lemon, garlic and crushed dried coriander. They are to die for. Especially if you have a crusty bread to dip in the juices.
We also like our fish roasted or grilled and then served with “ladolemono”. Continue reading
“Koulouri” – Cyprus, Anise Flavoured Bread
I wish I could describe the taste of this bread. The fantastic smell in my house as it baked. The sound of crunchiness as I cut the first slice, the feathery softness as I took the first bite. Making your own bread is magic. Watching the dough come to life is the highlight of any baking day. Continue reading
Herb and Almond Crusted Swordfish Steaks
When I was little, the only way I knew how to eat swordfish was grilled on skewers, like a fishy “souvlaki”. This meaty fish can dry out so easily, you need to cook it just until it’s done, otherwise you just ruined dinner. I guess that’s the reason cooks put onions, peppers or tomatoes on the skewers to give it extra moisture. I resisted the temptation of cooking swordfish for a long time, just because I couldn’t be bothered with all the focus on the cooking time. But I do like swordfish and if cooked right, it can really become a delicious, healthy, nutritious meal. Continue reading
Honey-Mustard Roasted Chicken with Rosemary
Whenever in doubt, add honey. I know it sounds like the easy way out, but it’s SO delicious. I must admit, I’m not a huge fan of sweet meals. This chicken however, won me over. The happy “marriage” of mustard and honey, combined here with the sourness of the lemon and the intense aroma of rosemary, elevate this humble roasted chicken to another level. It’s not at all sweet, just intensely flavoured and incredibly tasty. Did I mention easy? Continue reading
Cheese Tortellini with Roasted Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes
I often wondered how I could make more of tortellini than it already is. I mean, how do you improve something that you can just boil and it’s already a full, tasty meal? It’s a dish you usually toss in butter and serve with extra cheese. But I chose to combine it with roasted eggplants and tomatoes. The result is a rich earthy, cheesy, absolutely delicious pasta dish that can be prepared in an hour. I’m telling you, one portion of this is not going to be enough.
