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March's Recipe:
Fava with Sun-Dried
Tomatoes and Capers
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Ingredients:
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- 1/2cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
- 5-7 cups water
- Salt
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 scallions, trimmed and cut into thin rounds
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 3-4 tablespoons sherry or balsamic vinegar
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Preparation:
Heat 1/3 cup olive oil in a medium sized casserole or stewing pot.
Add the onion and cook until soft, 6-8 minutes. Add the yellow split peas
and toss to coat with the oil. Stir for 1-2 minutes. Add enough water to
cover split peas by 2 inches. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat, uncover, and cook over very low heat, stirring
occasionally
with a wire whisk, to keep from sticking, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the
split peas are completely disintegrated. During the 2 course of cooking,
add water. When the split peas have reached the consistency of loose mashed
potatoes, remove from heat and add salt to taste. Cover with a cloth and
let sit for 1 hour. The mixture will bind considerably.
As soon as you
begin cooking the split peas, place the dried tomatoes in a bowl with
ample warm water and let them sit for 30 minutes, to rehydrate. Drain,
but set aside 1/3 cup of the liquid. Chop the dried tomatoes.
Heat 2
tablespoons olive oil in a medium sized skillet. Add the scallions and
garlic and cook until soft. Add the dried tomatoes, capers, and tomato
liquid, and stir for a few minutes until liquid has evaporated and
tomatoes are soft. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.
Just before serving, pour in the remaining olive oil, save for 1
tablespoon. Adjust the salt and stir in the sherry or vinegar.
Spread the split peas evenly onto a serving platter, top with the
sun-dried tomato and caper mixture, and drizzle remaining olive oil
over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note: You can replace the sun-dried tomatoes with 1 cup chopped
plum tomatoes (canned are fine).
Serves 6
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 Excerpts and
Photography from:
The Greek Vegetarian
by Diane Kochilas |
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March's Article: |
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Cretan Nutrition and the Mediterranean Diet |
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The Olive Tree and its Oil in Prehistoric Times
 The cultivation of olive trees has been an ancient practice in the Mediterranean basin. The products of this cultivation, olives and olive oil, have been used to meet basic dietary needs. It has been common knowledge among the peoples of the Mediterranean that the leaves of the olive tree and olive oil have therapeutic
qualities. Olive oil was used as offering to domestic gods.
The Greeks have been using the olive tree products for thousands of years. Until a few years ago the olive tree was almost exclusively used in all meal preparations by the inhabitants of Crete, Peloponnese and the Aegean islands. It comes as no surprise then that the olive tree was revered by the people who benefited from it. The olive tree was considered holy and as such it entered the Greek folk tradition.
Olive Oil in Minoan Cooking Pots
The Minoans and the people of the Mycenaean period, during the second and the third millennium before Christ, used olive oil for practical as well as religious purposes. As far as the cooking uses are concerned, we now have quite a good idea even though there is no written evidence. A chemical analysis of Minoan cooking pots showed that the people of that time used olive oil in thier cooking!
Tablets found at Knossos record deliveries of oil along with other basic food products, such as barley, figs, wine, honey and flour, which were went out to unknown receivers, maybe even members of some kind of priesthood.
Why is Olive Oil the Best Fatty Substance
(Olive Oil Campaign by the European Union)
The natural juice from olives is clearly the best in comparison to any other fatty substance, animal (lard, butter) or vegetable (corn oil, Soya-bean oil, palm oil, sunflower oil) utilized in human nutrition. Olive oil offers unique nutritional, aromatic and biological features that render it an excellent and irreplaceable supplement in relation to other animal and vegetable oils.
• Olive oil, particularly the extra virgin, is a natural juice extracted from the olive fruits under natural processes (crushing, pressure, centrifugation, collection) without any additives or preservatives and no further processing. It can be consumed immediately after collection, as is the case with all fresh fruit juices.
• The olive oil offers significant aromatic substances and other elements that make it tastier than all other fatty substances.
• Olive oil is of average calorific value in comparison to other fatty substances.
• Owing to its increased content in polyphenols and tocopherols, olive oil is resistant to rancidity and oxidation.
• Since it is rich in monounsaturated acids and natural antioxidants, olive oil is better for frying than any other see oil.
• The chemical make up of olive oil is ideal for the human body. It offers natural antioxidant substances that are highly significant for health.
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Special Feature: |
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The Greek War of Independence |
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The
25th of March is Greek Independence
Day
"Throughout history man has conquered and suppressed his weaker fellows. Struggles for power have caused death and suffering for millions of innocents. As control passed from one empire to the next, the people and lands of subject nations and colonies passed as spoils to the victors.
Ancient Greece was no exception to this process of enslavement in its own rise to world power. But following the decline of its empire more than 2000 years ago, Greek citizens took their turn in succumbing to foreign subjugation. In all this long period of bondage, however, the Greeks believe their darkest years began when the great Byzantine capital Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
For nearly four centuries generations for Greeks suffered economic and intellectual poverty under Turkish occupation, all the while maintaining an unshakeable desire for human dignity and liberty, attributes inherited and retained over centuries from their Hellenic ancestors.
There is beauty and magic in the name of Greece. The ancient Hellenes reached the highest pinnacle of human endeavor creating a civilization whose achievements have remained an inspiration for all humanity. News of the outbreak of the War of Independence in 1821 evoked deep emotions amongst enlightened peoples everywhere, and found expression in Philhellenism – a movement based on wide sympathy for the Greeks as the direct descendents of the parents of western civilization.
In 1821 Greece rose up in bloody
revolt against the oppressive might
of the Ottoman empire. Determined to
end four hundred years of slavery or
die in the attempt, Greek patriots
began their unyielding struggle for
liberty and independence."
(Peter Paroulakis in his book The Greek War of Independence)
On the 25th of March every year, we celebrate the beginning of the Greek Revolution and the War of Independence which gave birth to the modern Greek nation. On that day in 1821, Archbishop Patras Germanos declared the beginning of the Greek revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra. It is on that day that the cry
"Freedom or Death" became the motto of the revolution which soon spread all over Greece and signaled the beginning of Greek independence from Ottoman rule. The Day coincides with the Annunciation also a important Greek Orthodox holiday, the announcement to Virgin Mary by the Angel Gabriel that she would become the Theotokos (God-bearer). The 25th of March is the most significant National Holiday in Greece.
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Greek National Anthem
Dionysios
Solomos (1798-1857).
Translation by Sir Compton Mackenzie
By
the length of thy stride,
By the sweep of thy blade,
By thy countenance stern,
I know the, proud maid.
The bones of the Hellenes
Have hallowed the tale:
As of old thou art standing:
Hail, Liberty Hail!
Withdrawn into darkness,
Shy, bitter, in pain,
The call wast thou waiting
To come forth again.
Long, long wast thou waiting,
Late, late came the call:
In the tomb of oppression
Fear held us in thrall.
Yet secretly wouldst thou
Frequent foreign lands,
Blood-stained, to beg aid from
More powerful hands.
Alone, didst thou wander,
Alone, didst return;
That doors open hardly
The needy must learn.
But now we have risen!
Hark, hark to the cry
Of thy Hellenes determined
To conquer or die.
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The Special Feature "Do You
Speak Greek?"
will continue next
month. |
 Excerpts
and Photography
from
The Greek War of Independence
by Peter H. Paroulakis |
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What's
New!! |
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Traditional Greek Costumes for Adults |
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Traditional Greek Costumes for Children |
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Traditional Greek Costumes Accessories |
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Vintage City Photo Posters |
Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Platia Sidirodromikou Stathmou (1936)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Polis (1928)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Odos Aristomenous (1910)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Anatoliki Paralia (1930)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Paralia (1924)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, 6 town shots (1958)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Pano Platia (1904)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, City Port (1922)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Paralia (1970)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kalamata, Town view (1936)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Gargalianoi, Central Square (1920)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Pylos, Port view (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Gargalianoi, Central Square (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kyparissia, City view (1910)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Navarino - Pylos, City view (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Methoni, Town view (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Pylos, Port view (1910)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kyparissia, Castle and Bay view (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Filiatra, Central Square (1927)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Old Map (circa unknown)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Pylos, City View (1970)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Agios Nikolaos, City View (1958)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kyparissia, View from the Castle (1958)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Navarino, Port view (1920)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Methoni, Town view (1960)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kardamili, City View (1960)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Pylos - Navarino, City view (1927)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Messinia, Kyparissia, Ano Poli (1952)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, City view (1907)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, Leoforos Con. Palaiologou (1948)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, City view (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, City View (1924)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, Leoforos Amalias (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, City View (1937)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, City view (1880)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, Agora (1900)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Sparti, City view (1960)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Gythio, Port view (1935)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Gythio, City view (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Gythio, Perivolani (1912)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Monemvasia, City view (1960)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Kastania, Town Square (1910)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Mani, Vathia (1965)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Monemvasia, Ocean view (1970)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Gythio, Port view (1920)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Arcadia, Tripolis, City view (1935)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Arcadia, Tripolis, City view (1920)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Arcadia, Tripolis, St. Basil Church (1920)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Arcadia, Tripolis, Archontes from Tripoli (1917)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Argolida, Nafplion, port view (1932)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Argolida, Nafplion, Bourgi castle (1935)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Argolida,
Nafplion, City view (1928)
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Keep a close eye on the
Greek Poster Section as it continues to expand. We
are in the process of adding hundreds of
Vintage City Photos and Vintage Advertisement Posters.
Above you can find a selection from The Peloponnese
Messinia, Lakonia, Arcadia and Argolida regions.
Click Here to send a request for your favorite location.
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Greek Sterling Silver Jewelry |
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Zouzounia Childrens DVDs |
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Featured Destination: Ionian Isles - Cephallonia & Ithaka (part 5b of 7) |
|
 GEOGRAPHY
Ithaka, isle of the crafty hero of the Odyssey, king
Odysseus, lies just 2 nautical miles west of
Cephalonia,. Area 96 sq. km., coastline 101 km.
population 3,646. It belongs administratively to the
Prefecture of Cephalonia. Its capital and main port is
Ithaka (Vathy) with which there is a dialy ferry boat
connection from Patras (52 nautical miles away) and
Astakos (about 26 nautical miles away). One may travel
to Ithaka by bus via Patras and via Sami (Cephallonia).
There is a link with Sami and Aghia Euphemia on
Cephallonia, by ferry boat from Patras and Astakos. A
local service operates from Nydri and Vasiliki in
Lefkada. A narrow mountain range (highest peak Aetos,
808 m. a.s.l.) divides the island into two sections,
north and south. The coastline follows the configuration
of the land, being indented with numerous bays and
coves. Ithaka is a verdant isle with picturesque little
villages, a quiet way of life and interesting monuments
in some parts. There is little tourist development but
one is assured of a pleasant, relaxing stay, close to
nature, and can make excursions to nearby Lefkada and
Cephallonia.
HISTORY Ithaka (or Thiaki as it is called by the
locals) was first inhabited in prehistoric times and,
according to Homer, was the home of king Odysseus whose
palace was located by Schliemann on one of the summits
of the prehistoric acropolis called "Castle of
Odysseus"' by the islanders. Excavations carried out by
the British School of Archaeology have brought to light
significant finds from the acropolis of both Classical
and Hellenistic date, many of which are nowadays in the
British Museum, London. Excavations have also shown that
the island was first inhabited in around 3000 BC and
throughout the Bronze Age it maintained contacts with
the region of Nydri on Lefkada. Mycenaean sites have
yielded an abundance of pottery. However, the island's
acme evidently commenced after 1000 BC when it served as
a trading station for the cities of the Greek mainland,
particularly Corinth. Finds from a sanctuary on Mount
Aetos bear witness to the island's many contacts with
the cities of the ancient world. There was also a
fortified acropolis on this peak and a second one at
Aghios Athanasios near Stavros, while at Aghios Georgios
a small sanctuary to an unknown goddess has been
discovered.
In Roman times the island's fate was the same as that of
the others in the archipelago. No monuments of Byzantine
date have survived. During the Frankish occupation the
island was attacked by pirates on numerous occasions and
they used Vathy as a base for their forays. Ithaka
belonged to the French in 1797 and then to the British,
being incorporated in the Greek state in 1864.
In 1953 the island suffered considerable damage caused
by earthquakes.
SIGHTS-MONUMENTS The island's capital, Ithaka (Vathy),
is built at the far end of a closed bay and is the focus
of roads leading to its villages and places of interest.
There is a noteworthy library in the Cultural Society
including rare editions, as well as a not inconsiderable
library of theatrical works. About 1 km. west of Vathy
is the cave of the Nymphs (Andron ton Nymphon) or
Marmarospilia which is of outstanding archaeological
interest. Here, according to tradition, the Naiads were
worshipped and here Odysseus hid the treasures bestowed
on him by the Phaiakes. South of Vathy (2 km.) at
Perachori there is a church of the Dormition of the
Virgin. From here one may visit the monastery of the
Taxiarchs and clamber down to the east coast to the many
delightful coves and inlets. Near Perachori is the
Marathia plateau on which Eumaios, Odysseus' faithful
shepherd, tended his swine. Further south, at Pera
Pigali is Arethousa's Fountain, identified with the
Homeric Korakos Petra (Crow's Stone).
 In the region of Aetos (5 km. southwest of Vathy) there
are remains of the ancient acropolis which Schliemann
claimed was the site of Odysseus' place. North of Vathy (about 10 km.) is the monastery of the Virgin Katharon. Not far to the north (15km. northwest of Vathy) is Anogi, a mountain village overlooking the Ionian Sea.
There is another village to the west, Lefki (13 km. northwest of Vathy).
One of the most beautiful villages is Stavros (16 km.
northwest of Vathy) and from here one can visit Polls,
which still keeps its Mycenaean name, a fact which adds
credence to the view that the ancient city of Ithaka was
located hereabouts.
At Pelikata (1 km. north) a prehistoric installation of
the mid-2nd millennium BC has been unearthed and pottery
and other finds from these excavations are kept in the
small archaeological collection.
In the Loizos cave, on the north side of the bay,
Mycenaean pottery has come to light and traces of a
shrine. The northernmost of the island's villages is
Exogi (22 km. northwest of Vathy).
The seaside villages of the north and northwest coast
include Frikes, on the homonymous bay and Kioni (21 km.
north of Vathy), a national heritage village which is
developing into a tourist centre.
There is no shortage of beaches and bays on Ithaka; all can be reached by car Tsiribi, Paliokaravo, Loutsa, Gidaki, Kioni, Polis, Ammoudaki are fine for swimming and fishing. There are just a few hotels, rooms and flats for rent. Those with their own boat can investigate secluded anchorages and coves as well as sail to Cephallonia. Refuelling station is at Vathy.
Next month:
Ionian Isles, Part 6 - Zakynthos
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March
2010 Greek Orthodox Calendar |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
3rd Monday of Lent
Eudokia the Martyr of Heliopolis
Andonina the New Martyr
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2
3rd Tuesday of Lent
Hesychios the Martyr
Our Holy Father Nicholas of Plana
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3
3rd Wednesday of Lent
Eutropios, Kleonikos, Vasiliskos, Zenos, & Zoilis the Martyrs
Theodoretos the Holy Martyr of Antioch
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4
3rd Thursday of Lent
Gerasimos the Righteous of Jordan
Paul & his sister Juliana and their Companions
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5
3rd Friday of Lent
Konon the Gardener
Theodore the Recruit
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6
Third Saturday of Lent
42 Martyrs of Amorion in Phrygia
Finding the Precious Cross by St. Helen
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7
Sunday of the Holy Cross
The 7 Hieromartyrs of Cherson
Lavrentios of Megara, the Righteous
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8
4th Monday of Lent
Theophylaktos, Bishop of Nicomedea
Hermas the Apostle of the 70
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9
40 Martyrs at Lake Sebaste
Caesarios the Righteous
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10
4th Wednesday of Lent
Kodratos the Martyr & his Companions
Anastasia of Alexandria
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11
4th Thursday of Lent
Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Theodora the Righteous
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12
4th Friday of Lent
Theophanes the Confessor
Symeon the New Theologian
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13
Fourth Saturday of Lent
Removal of the relics of Nicephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople
Pouplios the Martyr, Bishop of Athens
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14
Sunday of St. John Climacus
Benedict the Righteous of Nursia
Euschemon the Confessor, Bishop of Lampasakos
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15
5th Monday of Lent
Agapios the martyr & his Companions
Manuel the New Martyr of Crete
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16
5th Tuesday of Lent
Savinos the Martyr of Egypt
Christodoulos the Wonderworker of Patmos
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17
5th Wednesday of Lent
Alexios the Man of God
Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland
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18
5th Thursday of Lent
Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Trophimos & Eukarpion, Monk-martyrs of Nicomedea
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19
5th Friday of Lent
Chrysanthos & Daria the Martyrs
Demetrios the New Martyr
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20
5th Saturday of Lent: The Akathist Hymn
Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas
Saint Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne
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21
Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
James the Confessor
Thomas I, Patriarch of Constantinople
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22
6th Monday of Lent
Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra
Kalliniki & Vassilisa the Martyrs
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23
6th Tuesday of Lent
Nikon the Holy Martyr & his 200 Companion Martyrs
Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George
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24
6th Wednesday of Lent
Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos
Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow.
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25
Annunciation of the Theotokos
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26
6th Friday of Lent
Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel
26 Martyrs in Crimea
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27
Lazarus Saturday
Matrona of Thessaloniki
Paul, Bishop of Corinth
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28
Palm Sunday
Hilarion the New
Herodion the Apostle of the 70
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29
Holy Monday
Mark, Bishop of Arethusa
Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him
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30
Holy Tuesday
John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent
Sosthenes Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70
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31
Holy Wednesday
Hypatios the Wonderworker
Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska
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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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