January's Recipe:
Chocolate Ouzo Cupcakes
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A moist, delicious, chocolate cake baked with a hint of anise-flavored Greek liqueur, called ouzo. this gives everyday cupcakes a definite Greek chic twist. Your family will love them,
especially the adults! You can use your favorite frosting recipe or the one offered here!
Batter Ingredients:
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- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup Greek Ouzo liqueur
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup almonds, slivered
- 24 cupcake baking cups
Frosting Ingredients:
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- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 tbsp milk
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Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs and
butter with mixer on low speed. Add cocoa, water, baking soda,
baking powder, vanilla, flour, salt, and ouzo. Beat on high for
3 minutes. Divide batter into baking cups. Bake 20 to 25 minutes
or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for
10 minutes in pan; remove from pan to cool for 20 minutes.
Frosting:
In a bowl, mix butter and chocolate, using an electric mixer on
low. Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Frost and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
Makes 24 Cupcakes
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 Excerpts
and Photography from:
Greek Chic Cuisine
by Stephanie M. Patsalis
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January's Article: |
| The Greeks of Australia |
The Greeks of Australia
Before World War II concepts regarding
immigrants were based on fear, prejudice and ignorance, making
white Australia liable to racial discord and bitterness.
Intolerance was often manifested in reports and anti-immigrant
Acts of Parliament. For example, in debates in the Australian
Parliament in 1925, it was claimed that the typical southern
European was a 'cheap foreign immigrant who can live on the
smell of an oil rag'. One member of the Australian Parliament
cited the case of Hellenes on shift work in a South Australian
(SA) country town (Bailey, 1933):
The beds they occupy never get cold. As soon as one man leaves
his bed it is occupied by another of his fellows, and it is
practically always in use. How can we expect such people to
adjust themselves to our standard of living. The private life of
these Hellenes is far below the standard of the private life of
our people and they are quite unsuited, because of their former
environment and general outlook on life, ever to become worthy
citizens...
Anti-Greek feeling frequently erupted against stranded Greek
immigrants accepting employment in strike-bound sites, while
threats, stone throwing and actual bombs were hurled at their
coffee houses and residential quarters in Melbourne and Broken
Hill. The anti-foreign opposition was particularly high during
severe national economic crises, and emanated from organized
labour, the older immigrant stocks, and certain elements of the
conservative media and the mainstream population.
Passage to Australia was exploited by unscrupulous Greek and
European travel agents and some steamship companies who made
misleading claims hiding from prospective immigrants the danger
and privations they would face in Australia. Many of the early
Greek migrants after the 1880s came from Kythera, a British
protectorate. Kytherians were encouraged to migrate and
repatriate without special permission. On many occasions their
migration was subsidized, as they were eligible for a special
five-pound fare. The first choice was the United States, but
when migration restrictions were applied there, Australia was
seen as the next land of opportunity. Kythe-rian Platon Levantis
was thirteen years old, when after forty-seven days as a
stranded passenger in Port Said, he was finally given a place
abroad the Italian ship Pena. His memories from the voyage are
revealing:
I paid 230 sterling pounds for my tickets to Australia, via
Alexandria and Port Said. During this period the weekly wage for
seven days work was three pounds. Pena was a very small ship of
approximately 2500 tones, carrying 1000 passengers, most of whom
were Englishmen. We did not have cabins, no beds, and no lounge
to rest. We were confined to sleep on the deck, although we had
been issued a full ticket by cunning agents. We were compelled
to sleep on the deck lying on single blankets. It was obvious
that the agents played a treacherous role... During the
voyage I fell sick and exhausted. I thought that this was the
end of my life. Some Greeks revolted against the captain. They
demanded from him to give me a cabin and proper meals to
recover. The Captain succumbed to the exerted pressure... In
Fremantle most passengers decided to take the train to Melbourne
and Sydney rather than to risk an additional twelve days in the
sea. My father was waiting for me in Port Melbourne to take me
to his fruit shop in Goulburn. This was the first time in my
life that I was meeting my own father. As I stepped out from the
ship he took me to the first shop to buy me new clothes. I will
never forget that..."
(Platon Levantis interview, 1 October 1997)
On the other hand the Greek Government did nothing to curb
emigration. The outflow of emigrating Greeks was generating an
inflow revenue for Greece and in certain cases emigration was
the mechanism for getting rid of undesirable people . Distress
signals from pioneers appeared in the form of letters in the
Greek newspapers in Piraeus, Athens and Thessaloniki. The
treatment of the pioneer settlers was worsened by the
application rail protection fees and ransom money. Tracklayers
constructing the railways in WA and sugar cane cutters in North
Queensland were compelled to pay employment commission to
leading hands and foremen. Many were compelled to pay bribes to
foremen to avoid their discharge by the employing company or to
secure their seasonal work. In certain cases some immigrants worked
for almost an entire season clearing farms in WA without
receiving any payment from the landlords, often a person of
higher authority (Tamis, 1994).
Article to be continued next month
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Special Feature:
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Zakynthos: Food, Wine & Products
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Fruits and vegetables are plentiful in Zakynthos. They
taste better than in the rest of the Mediterranean because of the
fertile soil and mild climate. They are rich in phytochemical
organic substances. They are also high in antioxidants and vitamins
which have protective features for health.
Aromatic melons are exported in great quantity to the
mainland. In 1682 George Wheeler wrote confidentially that the
melons in Zakynthos were the best. Katsampes, winter melons in
Zakynthos were the best. Katsampes, winter lemons, wild strawberries
famous for their excellent taste and as well their special drink,
water melons, wild strawberries famous for their excellent taste and
as well their special drink, water melons, apples, peaches, citrus,
lemons, figs, oranges, mespoles, loquats, koromila, a kind of plums,
and lots of almonds which are necessary for Mandolato and their
traditional Soumada, almond drink, are all produce of Zakynthos.
Horta (wild greens) grow everywhere in the spring . It
constituted the food for the poor as it was rich in vitamins, and
Zakynthos have known it since the old days. Even now, then spring
comes, everybody goes to the country to collect horta. It is brought
home, boiled or steamed, sprinkled with lemon and olive oil, which,
accompanied with any other dish or by itself is a healthy food. Even
dandelion juice will clean your blood , just as the old people
believed.
Asparagus, bulbs, and wild mushrooms sprinkled with lemon and olive
oil, make a healthy dish for everyone.
Eggplants are famous for their part in the national dish of
Zakynthos, Skorthostoubi. Smothered in garlic, it is a glorious
aubergine dish. Sliced eggplants fried in olive oil, Melitzanoaliada,
can be a perfect appetizer.
Onions from Belousi Village, sweet, flat, white or purple,
are perfect for salads, for making traditional sauces or by
themselves in Kolatsio with Riganatha.
Squash has been called the Venetian zucchini. It is similar
to pumpkin. Kohlrabi flourishes in Zakynthos as well as chard,
string beans, cabbage, artichokes, limes, lima beans and potatoes.
Purslane is plentiful and perfect for the Omega and Mediterranean
Diets. As an Aphrodisiac, wild black artichokes, fresh lima beans,
and tiny sea shells have been popular since the old times.
Celery is dark and green with plenty of thin, soft leaves in
Zakynthos. Its stalks are very tender like the Italian celery. It is
used in soups, sauces and fricassee.
Botanical herbs, spices and flavors are necessary for the the
Zakynthian cuisine, not only for flavoring the dishes but for
therapeutic reasons. The hills and plains are full of herbs. Spices
were brought here long ago by the Venetians and Byzantine merchants,
and have become important.
Oregano, which grows on the hills, is used in most dishes,
sauces, salads, baked fish or meat. It is considered the ideal herb
to improve the flavor of nearly every dish.
Zakynthians love it. There is no garden or balcony without basil in
Zakynthos. It has a religious and herbal significance. It is used in
the holy water sprinkled by the priest during the ceremony of the
Epiphany and on the 14th of September, the Exaltation of the Holy
Cross, after which the women bring some home to use in making bread.
As a herb, it is used in salads, sauces, stuffed vegetables and for
garnish on cheese and tomatoes.
Throubi, thyme, is a summer savory, mostly used in the
mountains instead of oregano. there is plenty on the hills, and it
has a strong taste which is perfect for seasoning meat, game and red
sauces.
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The Special Feature "Zakynthos: Food, Wine & Products" will continue next month...
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 Excerpt from
Cooking and Traditions of Zakynthos
by Calliopi Toufidou |
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What's New!
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Sterling Silver Jewelry |
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Greek
Music |
To Kalitero Psema, Mihalis Hatziyiannis
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Mihalis, Mihalis Hatziyiannis |
Ta Kommatia tis Psihis mou |
Agapi einai esy, Anna Vissi |
Parafora, Sakis Rouvas |
Giorgos Dalaras sings Stavros Kougioumtzis
(2 CD) |
Epitihies 2011 (3 CD) |
Hriso Paketo 2011 |
Minos 2011 Special Edition |
Kolasi 2011 |
Rithmos In the Mix Vol. 3 , Various Artists |
Laika 2011 (3CD edition) |
The Island – TV Series Soundtrack O.S.T. |
Doro yia sena, Nikos Ikonomopoulos |
Sti hora ton trelon, Onirama |
Perasma, Sokratis Malamas |
Notis Sfakianakis, Matomeno Dakri - Horeftikon |
Aggeli stin kolasi, Kelli Kelekidou |
S' ta ipa ola, Vasilis Karras |
I zoi mou erotas, Natassa Theodoridou |
Stamatis Gonidis, Se thelo |
Egklima kai Timoria, Giorgos Margaritis |
Stous Torinous Kairous, Giorgos Koinousis (2CD) |
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Books in Greek |
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Greek DVDs |
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Children's Books in Greek & English |
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Children's DVDs in Greek |
Dora the Explorer : To Nisi twn Thisavron, Vol. 1, In Greek (PAL) |
Dora the Explorer : Psari ekso apo to Nero Vol. 4, In Greek (PAL) |
Dora the Explorer : Paramithenia Peripetia Vol. 6, In Greek (PAL) |
Dora the Explorer : Grigora Tiko Vol. 7, In Greek (PAL) |
Dora the Explorer : To Kokkino Pirosvestiko Vol. 8, In Greek (PAL) |
Dora the Explorer : Hrisoi Ekserevnites Vol. 9, In Greek (PAL) |
Dora the Explorer : Horevoume Mazi Vol. 10, In Greek (PAL) |
Toy Story 3 - The Great Escape, DVD (PAL/Zone 2), In Greek |
Tinkerbell, The Great Fairy Rescue, DVD (PAL/Zone 2),
In Greek |
Beauty and the Beast, Belle's Magical World, DVD (PAL/Zone 2), In Greek |
Bob the Builder, Oloi stin Koilada, DVD (PAL), In Greek
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Barney, Great Surprise, DVD (PAL), In Greek |
Mickeys Once Upon a Christmas, DVD (PAL/Zone 2), In
Greek
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Mickey's Twice upon a Christmas DVD (PAL/Zone 2) |
O Periergos Giorgakis - Curious George - Kala Maimoudenia Hristoygenna! DVD (Pal / Zone 2) In Greek |
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Children's Greek Educational Toys |
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Save 10% on any
of these featured Greek Educational Toys from
the Eksipnoulis / Genius Series.
Coupon code: ASToy10
See our
Special Offers page for details. |
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Eksipnoulis (Genius): Electronic Game for learning the Animals in Greek, Ages 3+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): First Greek Phrases Educational, Ages 5+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Electronic Vocubulary builder, Ages 5+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Animals - Moms and Babies, Ages 3+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Greek Alphabet, Ages 3+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Time in Greek, Ages 5+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Numbers in Greek, Ages 3+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Professions in Greek, Ages 3+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning Greek Spelling, Ages 4+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning Greek Geography Puzzle, Ages 5+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Months and the Seasons in Greek, Ages 5+ |
Eksipnoulis (Genius) Electronic Greek Reading and Writing, Ages 5+ |
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Greek Gift Ideas |
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Vintage Greek City Photo & Advertisement Posters |
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Latest
Arrivals |
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Greek Alphabet Block Personalized Apparel
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Greek Food & Baking Goods |
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| Featured Destination: Cyclades - Kythnos (part
3 of 22) |
|
 GEOGRAPHY
This island, the second of the Western Cyclades, lies
between Kea, Syros and Seriphos. It is 99 sq. km. in
area, has 98 km. of coast, 1,502 inhabitants and is 52
nautical miles from Piraeus. Its capital is Kythnos (Chora)
or Mesaria. A ferry boat operates between Kythnos and
Lavrion, via Kea, as well as Piraeus (more frequent
during the summer).
The terrain is mountainous (highest peak Profitis Ilias,
368 m. a.s.l.) with small areas of flat land and many
coves. The population is engaged exclusively in
agriculture and animal husbandry. The island is
particularly well-known for its therapeutic springs (Loutra),
on account of which it was known as Thermia. With very
few tourists and lovely beaches, Kythnos is an ideal
spot for those seeking solitude and island life with
minimal comforts.
HISTORY In antiquity the island was known by
several names and has been inhabited since Neolithic
times, as evident from recent finds from Loutra, dated
7000 - 6500 BC, the earliest proof of human presence in
the Cyclades. In Mycenaean times Dryopes lived here and
it was they who gave the island its present name.
Kythnos played an active role during the Persian Wars,
joined the Athenian League, was subject to the
Macedonians, Ptolemies and Romans and in Byzantine times
belonged to the Thema of the Aegean. During the Latin
occupation it was part of the Duchy of Naxos. In 1337 it
was ruled by the Italian Gozzadini family who maintained
their preeminence even after the island was pillaged by
Barbarossa (1537), up until 1617 when they were ousted
by the Turks. During the reign of king Otto it was a
place of exile for revolutionaries and political
opponents.
 SIGHTS-MONUMENTS The island's capital, Chora,
stands on a hill in the hinterland and is not visible
from the sea. The typically asymmetrical Cycladic houses
spread out to right and left of the two parallel main
streets. On a nearby spur stands the monastery of the
Virgin of Nikos. There are several Postbyzantine
churches in Chora (the oldest is the Holy Trinity),
built according to Western prototypes since the Catholic
faith held sway here for quite some time. The majority
have wood carved iconostases (Saviour, Taxiarchs,
Christ, St. Savvas, Transfiguration) with important
icons in the Veneto-Cretan style, painted by the
hagiographer Skordilis.
North of Chora (approx. 1.5 km.) are the remains of a
Hellenistic tower. 4 km. south of Chora is Dryopida, a
characteristic Cycladic village with its snow-white
houses built on either side of a dry river bed. In the
church of St. Minas there is an intricately carved
wooden iconostasis and despotic throne. At the southern
edge of the village is the Katafyki cave with a wealth
of stalagmitic and stalactitic decoration, as yet
unexploited.
Southeast of Chora (16 km.) stands the monastery of the
Virgin Kanala, patroness of the island, whose icon is
reputed to have been found in a canal, hence the
epithet. On her feast days (15th August and 8th
September) pilgrims congregate here in great numbers.
Northeast of Chora (4.5 km.) is Loutra, renowned for its
medicinal springs. North of Loutra, at Palaiokastro, are
the remains of the medieval capital of the island with
the ruins of its Venetian castle on the hilltop. Parts
of the enceinte are preserved but almost nothing has
survived of the houses, which numbered more than 1000.
Only two of the 100 or so churches are preserved, dating
from the 13th and 14th century, that of the Virgin (Our
Lady) of Mercy being in better condition.
On the west side of the island (approx. 8 km. from Chora)
is the harbor of Mericha and north of this, at
Vriokastro, are traces of the ancient city. Northwest of
Mericha is the islet Aghios Loukas, joined to the main
island by a narrow spit of sand. South of Mericha, in
the locality of Flambouria, is the church of the Virgin
Flambouriani.
The island's azure waters and numerous sandy beaches are
excellent for both swimming and fishing: Episkopi,
Kolona (only by caique), Kanala, Flambouria (by boat),
Aghios Stefanos, Aghia Irini, Kalo Livadi. These beaches
are accessible by bus or on foot, whereas those with a
boat may explore all the island's coves, as well as
visit neighboring Tzia. Refueling station at Mericha.
There are a few hotels, rooms and apartments for rent.
Next month:
The Islands of the Cyclades - Seriphos, Part 4 of 22
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January
2011 Greek Orthodox Calendar |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
Fast Free
Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia
Gregory, Bishop of Nanzianzos, Father of Gregory the Theologian
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2
Fast Free
Sunday before Epiphany
Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Sylvester, Pope of Rome
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3
Fast Free
Malachi the Prophet
Gordios the Martyr of Caesarea
Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
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4
Fast Free
Tuesday of the 16th Week
Synaxis of the 70 Holy Apostles
Theoctistos the Righteous of Sicily
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5
Eve of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Martyrs Theopemptos and Theonas
Righteous Syncletiki of Alexandria
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6
The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Theophan the Recluse
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7
Synaxis of John the Holy Glorious Prophet, Baptist, & Forerunner
Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
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8
Saturday after Epiphany
George the Chozebite
Domnica the Righteous of Constantinople
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9
Sunday after Epiphany
Polyeuctos the Martyr of Meletine in Armenia
Eustratios the Wonderworker
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10
Monday of the 12th Week
Gregory of Nyssa
Dometian, Bishop of Melitene
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11
Righteous Theodosios the Cenobiarch
Vitalis of Gaza
Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
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12
Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Tatiana the Martyr of Rome
Martyr Mertios
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13
Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Hermylos & Stratonikos the Martyrs at Belgrade
Maximos the Righteous of Kapsokalyvia, Mount Athos
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14
Leavetaking of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
The Holy Fathers slain at Sinai and Raitho
Agnes the Virgin-martyr
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15
John the Cave Dweller
Paul of Thebes
Pansophios the Martyr of Alexandria
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16
12th Sunday of Luke
Veneration of Apostle Peter's Precious Chains
Righteous Hierodeacon Makarios of Kalogeras
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17
Anthony the Great
Anthony the New of the Berropas Skete
George the New Martyr of Ioannina
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18
Athanasios & Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria
Zenia the Martyr
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19
Makarios the Great of Egypt
Mark, Bishop of Ephesus
Arsenios, Metropolitan of Kerkyra
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20
Righteous Euthymios the Great
Zacharias the New Martyr of Patra
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21
Maximos the Confessor
Neophytos the Martyr of Nicaea
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22
Timothy the Apostle of the 70
Anastasios, the Persian Righteous Monk-martyr
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23
14th Sunday of Luke
Clement the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Ancyra
Agathangelos the Martyr
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24
Monday of the 15th Week
Xenia, Deaconess of Rome
Vavylas the Holy Martyr
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25
Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople
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26
Wednesday of the 15th Week
Xenophon & his Companions
Symeon the Elder of Mount Sinai
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27
Removal of the Relics of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople
Peter the Righteous of Egypt
Demetrios the New Martyr of Constantinople
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28
Ephraim the Syrian
Isaac the Syrian, Bishop of Ninevah
James the Righteous
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29
Removal of the Relics of Ignatios the God-bearer
Laurence the Recluse of the Kiev Caves
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30
Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom
Hippolytos, Pope of Rome
Athanasia the Martyr & her 3 daughters
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31
Cyrus & John the Unmercenaries
Holy Women Martyrs Theodote, Theoktiste and Eudoxia
Our Righteous Father Arsenius of Parus
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Icons
depicting the celebrated Saint, make great gifts for
namedays, as do our custom-made Greek name mugs.
Shop among our great collection of gift ideas at our
store. We also have a great selection of greeting cards
for birthdays, holidays, namedays and
special occasions.
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