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August's Recipe:
Dolmades Yialantzi
(Grape Leaves Stuffed with Rice,
Onions & Herbs)
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Ingredients:
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- 1 16oz jar grape leaves in brine
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 large onions, peeled and finely chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup finely chopped mint leaves
- 1/2 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Strained juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup plain yogurt (if desired)
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Preparation:
Carefully remove the grape leaves from the jar
and rinse very well under cold water. Bring a pot of
water to a boil and blanch the grape leaves, in
batches, for 4-5 minutes. Remove to a colander and
rinse with cold water.
Heat 3-4 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large
heavy skillet and add the onions and scallions. Toss
to coat with oil. Cover, lower the heat and steam
the onions for 5-7 minutes, until wilted. Rinse the
rice and drain it as the onions cook. Add the rice
to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add the
garlic and stir for another minute or so. Remove
from heat and toss in herbs. Season with salt and
pepper and toss with 2 more tablespoons of olive
oil.
Separate any ripped grape leaves from the rest. Rub
the bottom of a large casserole or stewing pot with
2 tablespoons of olive oil, and spread a few of the
torn leaves across the bottom of the pot, just
enough to cover the surface. To expedite the
laborious task of rolling up the grape leaves, do it
assembly-line style: Place, vein side up, as many
leaves as will fit on the kitchen table or counter,
snip off the tough stems, and place approximately 1
scant tablespoon (less for the smaller ones) of
filling on the bottom center of each leaf. Fold in
the sides and roll up from the base, tucking in the
little sides as you go.
Place the grape leaves snugly next to one another,
seam side down, inside the pan, in several layers if
necessary. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, lemon
juice and just enough water to cover. Place a plate
inside the pot on top of the grape leaves as a
weight to keep them from opening while cooking.
Cover the pot with its lid and simmer the grape
leaves over low heat for about 40 minutes, until the
leaves are tender and the rice is cooked. Remove,
cool slightly, and serve with a bowl of yogurt if
desired. (Discard the leaves used to line the bottom
of the pot.)
Yields: 6-8 servings
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 Excerpts and Photography from: The
Greek Vegetarian
by Diane Kochilas |
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August's Article: |
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Cretan Nutrition and the Mediterranean Diet |
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Raki
In the month of
November the new wine crop is on its way to
maturity. the new wines are translucent, charming,
assertive and "fidgety". this is time for "moon
shining" raki, the local drink of Crete. In spite of
the fact that raki is made from the residues (or
"shreds") of grapes, it is a strong, full-bodied
drink, very much like the temperament of the
Cretans.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
 Following
the "dancing on the grapes" or the mechanical
crushing of the same and the collection of the must,
what remains are the residues of the crushed grapes
- skin, pits etc. These must residues are stored in
large clay jars or barrels for 30 days, to ferment.
Subsequently, this "precious" load is transferred to
an open-air distillery where the residues are placed
in a cauldron and heated over a strong fire fed with
logs. While the must residues are boiling, fumes
build up in the large cauldron and travel through
attached coils where they are cooled and liquefied
into a translucent liquid, the raki. This drink is
twice or three times as strong as the average wine.
Actually, the stronger portion of raki comes out
during the first 10 to 15 minutes of distillation.
WINE
According to Cretan mythology it was Cronus, the
father of Zeus that brought the vine to the island
and taught Cretans the art of viticulture. This is
to show that viticulture is not only an ancient
tradition, but a very important activity in Crete.
Numerous prehistoric finds lend incontestable
support to the claim that Crete produced excellent
qualities of wine in such amounts as to make this
product good for exports around the Mediterranean
basin.
Thanks to Michael Ventris (1922-1956), the English
architect and classical scholar who deciphered the
Linear B Tablets of Knossos, we now know that wine
was popular in Minoan Crete. The Tablets make
quantitative references to wine produced locally. An
inscription on the same Tablets reads as follows
"...a precious gift [the wine], patroned by the son
of Zeus and Semeli, King Minos himself; the Cretan
wine was made in compliance with the recipe which,
according to tradition, was given to the king by
Apollo..."
 Ancient
wine presses were found scattered around the island
of Crete - a testimony to a proliferating
viticulture and grape varieties. In the sites of
Vathypetro and Archanes archaeologists discovered
the oldest wine presses in the island, while the
Fourni location can boast of the most elaborate
ancient wine press. Other locations where wine
presses were found are: Zakros, Knossos, Phaestos,
Myrtos, Malia and Gournia. All locations with
ancient wine presses also featured pottery workshops
for the production of ornate clay jars (amphorae)
where the Minoans stored the wine. Roman women were
not allowed to drink wine from grapes, excluding the
Passo (a type of Cretan wine made from the crushing
of raisins). The Passo was sweet and good for
quenching thirst.
Ancient physicians recommended the Cretan wine in
the cure of numerous diseases as they believed that
the local wine imparts strength and longevity.
 VITICULTURE AND WINE PRODUCTION IN CRETE
Crete is one of the few areas in the world where one
can find very old vineyards producing grape
varieties that make excellent wine. Cretan vineyards
benefit from the mild climate prevailing in this
part of the world and from the mountainous relief of
the island ie. long sunny days, cool winds from the
north and high rising mountains protecting the crops
from hot, south winds occasionally sweeping across
the Libyan Sea.
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Feast of the Dormition: |
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Special Feature: |
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Zakynthos: Food, Wine & Products |
The fact that good food keeps the body and mind healthy is common knowledge. Those
who eat well and enjoy life live longer and healthier lives. Wherever human beings
live, they need to eat, and while some are satisfied with abundant food, others
crave quality. Thanks to their long history of quality eating, Zakynthians recognize
the difference between the gourmand and the gourmet.
Zakynthos is a land blessed with produce of richness and variety. Vineyards, olive
groves, fruits and vegetables grow readily year round. It is believed that Odysseus
was attracted by the beauty of this island, where he enjoyed hunting, barbecuing
game birds, as well as drinking the delicious local wine and learning dances from
inhabitants. Over the course of three millennia many immigrants have come here from
Epirus, Crete, Constantinople and the Peloponnese, each bringing their own ideas of
cooking.
During the Venetian occupation of the 13th-15th centuries, Zakynthos became a
crossroads in the Ionian Sea where the commerce between Italy and the East had a
great influence on the way of life. The Byzantine merchants from Constantinople
brought oriental delights along with spices from the Far East and Egypt.
The Venetians had a major impact on Zakynthos with their architecture, art,
language, music and cuisine. Their cuisine was considered the best in the world at
that time.
The French came too, but didn't stay long. However, they brought potatoes, galopoulo,
- French Bird (turkey), the printing process and their liberal ideas.
The British are known for the schools and roads they built, on the island. They
exploited black gold (black raisins). They loved hunting the game birds but cooked
them using their own recipes since they didn't share the Greek love of garlic. It
is said that wherever the English were invited that they brought their own chef with
them. They also brought ginger beer, which Zakynthians call gingibira. this was a
drink which was popular until world war II. What the British enjoyed most was the
fresh fruit and, of course, the Zakynthian hospitality.
The aristocracy was the ruling class and they lived mostly in the city. They were
occupied with politics, social life and gambling. They had servants to do the rest
of the work. they were provided with fresh produce either by vendors or peasants
from the villages. Also merchants from other parts of the world brought goods so
they had the luxury of enjoying the best and lived richly.
After each group of invaders left the island, the upper and middle classes returned
to their old traditions, which through the years filtered down to the peasants.
So Zakynthians are considered a refined and cultured society. Even in the poorest
house you will be treated with politeness and hospitality. You will also be served a
full dinner on a beautifully decorated table concluding with a tasty home made wine.
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The Special Feature "Zakynthos:
Food, Wine & Products"
will continue next
month. |
 Excerpt from
Cooking and Traditions of Zakynthos
by Calliopi Toufidou |
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What's
New! |
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Greek 14k Gold & Sterling Silver Jewelry |
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Greek
Music |
Non Stop Mix 6 by Nikos Halkousis , Various Artists |
Minos 2010 Summer Kalokeri , Various Artists (2CD) |
Kaftes Epitihies 2010 , Various Artists |
H2O International Dance Mix , Various Artists |
Thalassa Club 2010 , Various Artists |
Summer Hits 2010, Various Artists |
Hits On Air , Various Artists |
Kalokeri 2010 , Various Artists |
Goal , Various Artists |
Ola Mesa 2010 - 24 Non Stop Greek Dance Hits CD |
Parathisos 2010 , Various Artists |
Fresh Hits 2010 , Various Artists |
Tharros I Alithia , Tamta |
I epohi tis agapis 2
( Season of Love 2 ) ,
Mario Frangoulis |
Matomeno Dakri - Erotikon , Notis Sfakianakis |
Yia sena anaseno , Maria Iakovou |
C'est la vie , Despina Vandi (2CD) |
Prosopo me prosopo: Live sto stage , Eleftheria Arvanitaki (3CD + DVD) |
Ipoklinome , Kostas Karafotis |
Songs and Dances of Macedonia AEM025 |
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Greek
Books |
The Third Wedding , Costas Taktsis (In English)
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Imerologio Mageirikis 2008, by Vagelis Driskas, (In Greek)
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Enas Hronos stin Kouzina, by Vagelis Driskas, (In Greek)
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Aromatiki Kouzina, by Vagelis Driskas, In Greek
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September, by Rosamund Pilcher, (In Greek) |
I alli opsi, by Rosamund Pilcher, (In Greek) |
To Galazio Dwmatio, by Rosamund Pilcher,
(In Greek) |
Louloudia stin Vrohi, by Rosamund Pilcher,
(In Greek) |
To Carousel, by Rosamund Pilcher,
(In Greek) |
To Hioni ton Aprili, To Carousel, by Rosamund Pilcher, (In Greek) |
Matia Mou, by Maria Tsirita, (In Greek) |
Falconera , Alexis Ladas
(In English) |
To Triantafillo tou Heimona (The Winter Rose), by Jenifer Donnelly, (In Greek) |
The Island , by Victoria Hislop (In Greek) |
Oi drapetes tis Skakieras, by Evgenios Trivizas (In Greek) |
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Featured Favorite!
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Greek Food & Baking Pans |
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Greek Apparel & Other Items |
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Vintage City Photo Posters |
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Lycabettus (1923) |
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Lycabettus (1907) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, North East city view from Lycabettus (1880) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Zappeion (1905) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Royal Garden Vasilikos Kipos (1907) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Panathinaikon Stadium (1930) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Athens Academy (1940) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Acropolis (1920) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, City View (1955) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Kifisos River (1910) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Ambelokipoi (1907) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Kaniggos Square (1907) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Plaka (1917) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, View of the Acropolis (1937) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Panathinaikon Stadium (1906) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, National Library (1917)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, National Museum (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Andrianne's Gate (1936)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Ymitos - Pangrati (1910)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Athens Cathedral Mitropoli (1863)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Andrianne's Gate (1950)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Grand Brettange (1910)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Athens in snow (1932)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Kolonaki & Sina Street (1961)
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Herodion Koukaki (1930) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Monastiraki (1950) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Plaka (1950) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Mitropolis Square (1920) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Fish Market (1970) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Kiosk / Periptero (1960) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Kolonaki, Farmer's Market (1960) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Vegetable stand (1954) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Kolonaki (1880) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, City view (1885) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, City View (1936) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Acropolis view (1965) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Syntagma Square (1904) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Syntagma Square (1934) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Syntagma Square (1952) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Syntagma Square (1920) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Syntagma Square (1905) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Syntagma Square (1964) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Omonia Square (1932) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Omonia Square (1890) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Omonia Square (1950) |
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Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Omonia Square (1970) |
Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Corinthia, Advertising poster Loutraki Lemonade |
Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Corinthia, Advertising poster Loutraki Baths |
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Above you can find a selection from the city of Athens
in the Attica region.
Click Here to send a request for your favorite location.
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Featured Destination: Islands of the Saronic & Argolic Gulf - Poros (part
3 of 5) |
|
 GEOGRAPHY At the very edge of the Saronic gulf, clinging to the
east coast of the Peloponnese, Poros is more like a
peninsula than an island. 29 nautical miles from
Piraeus, 23 sq. km. in area, it has 43 km. of coast and
a population of 3, 929. Boats from Piraeus come here via
Aegina and Methana, as do the hydrofoils. There is also
a direct link with Galatas on the coast of the
Peloponnese. Connections with the islands of Hydra and
Spetses and, during the summer months, hydrofoils to
Tolo, Nauplion and Hermione and twice a week to
Leonidion, Kyparissia and Monemvasia. A verdant island
with some hills (highest peak Vigla, 390 m. a.s.l.), it
is an ideal spot for quiet holidays and romantic
excursions.
HISTORY Poros actually comprises two islands, linked by a very
narrow isthmus. In antiquity these were known as Sphairia and Kalaureia, the latter being the birthplace
of Theseus, according to mythological tradition. Here
too one of the greatest orators of antiquity, the
Athenian Demosthenes, met his death. Throughout the 7th
century BC Poros was the centre (Kalaureia) of an
amphictyony of seven cities. In the ensuing centuries
its fate was much the same as that of the other islands.
It played an active role in the Greek War of
Independence in 1821 and the first naval dockyard was
installed here in 1830.
 SIGHTS-MONUMENTS In antiquity Poros was the centre of the Amphictyony of
Kalaureia and seat of the very important sanctuary of
Poseidon, which has been revealed in the course of
excavations on the southeast side of the island, 8 km.
from the main town. Virtually no traces remain of the
famous temple of Poseidon in which the orator
Demosthenes sought refuge and committed suicide by
taking poison. However, from this area, known as Palatia
by the locals, there is a unique view over the open sea
and the coast of Troizinia opposite. About half an hour
to the south of the ancient sanctuary is the monastery
of Zoodochos Pege (Life-giving source). The dominant
feature in the monastery church is its gilded
iconostasis which dates to the 18th century. Poros is an
island small enough for one to ramble over, to enjoy its
shores and sea, particularly on the south side, as well
as its capital, Poros, which still remains a charming
island town with its two-storey houses, waterfront
cafes, patisseries and restaurants, not to mention its
clock-tower. There is also an Archaeological Museum.
Poros has a distinctive ambience, due in large part to
its green natural environment and many trees, often
growing right at the water's edge. One of the loveliest
spots on the island is the west coast (Megalo Neorio).
There are day trips from Poros to the archaeological
sites of the Argolid (Epidaurus, Nauplion, Mycenae) and
excursions to Troizinia with its remains of ancient
Troezen where the tragic myth of Hyppolytos and Phaedra
was enacted. Lemonodassos (lemon forest), east of
Galatas is an area full of orage and lemon groves and at
nearby Alyki the islanders usually bathe. Equally
beautiful, however are the coves of Askeli and Monastiri.
All beaches can be reached by bus and for those with a
boat there are any number of unfrequented beaches and
nearby islets. Accommodation is available in hotels,
pensions, rented rooms and furnished flats.
Next month:
The Islands of the Saronic and Argolic Gulf, Part 4 -
Hydra
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August
2010 Greek Orthodox Calendar |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
1
10th Sunday of Matthew
Procession of the Precious Cross
The Holy Seven Maccabees, Eleazar the Martyr
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2
Translation of the Relics of Stephen the Protomartyr
Holy Glorious New Martyr Theodore of Dardanelles
Phocas the Martyr
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3
11th Tuesday after Pentecost
Isaacius, Dalmatus, & Faustus, Ascetics of the Dalmation Monastery
Salome the Holy Myrrhbearer
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4
11th Wednesday after Pentecost
Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus
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5
11th Thursday after Pentecost
Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Eusygnius the Martyr of Antioch
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6
Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
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7
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Dometios the Martyr of Persia & 2 Disciples
Our Holy Father Nicanorus the Wonderworker
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8
11th Sunday of Matthew
Emilian the Confessor & Bishop of Cyzikos
Our Holy Father Myronus the Wonderworker, Bishop of Crete
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9
12th Monday after Pentecost
Matthias, Apostle of the 70
Anthony the Martyr of Alexandria
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10
12th Tuesday after Pentecost
Laurence the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Rome
Chitus of Athens, Bishop of Rome
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11
12th Wednesday after Pentecost
Euplus the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Cantania
Our Holy Father Niphonus, Patriarch of Constantinople
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12
12th Thursday after Pentecost
Photios & Aniketos the Martyrs of Nicomedea
Soldier-martyrs of Crete
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13
12th Friday after Pentecost
Apodosis of the Transfiguration
Maximos the Confessor
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14
12th Saturday after Pentecost
Forefeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
Micah the Prophet
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15
The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
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16
Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ
Diomedes the Physician & Martyr of Tarsus
Timothy of Euripus, founder of the Monastery of Pentele
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17
13th Tuesday after Pentecost
Myron the Martyr of Cyzicus
Straton, Philip, Eutychian, & Cyprian the Martyrs of Nicomedea
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18
13th Wednesday after Pentecost
Floros & Lauros the Monk-martyrs of Illyria
John & George, Patriarchs of Constantinople
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19
13th Thursday after Pentecost
Andrew the General & Martyr & his 2,593 soldiers
Holy Martyrs Timothy, Agapius and Thecla
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20
13th Friday after Pentecost
Samuel the Prophet
Holy Martyr Luke of Bouleutos
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21
Thaddeus the Apostle of the 70
Bassa the Martyr of Edessa & her sons Theogonius, Agapius & Pistus
Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
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22
13th Sunday of Matthew
Agathonikos the Martyr of Nicomedea & his Companion Martyrs
Holy Martyr Anthuse
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23
Apodosis of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
Our Holy Father Ireneaus, Bishop of Lyons
Our Holy Father Kallinikos, Patriarch of Constantinople
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24
14th Tuesday after Pentecost
Eutyches the Hieromartyr & Disciple of St. John the Theologian
Kosmas the New Hieromartyr & Equal-to-the Apostles of Aetolia
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25
Return of the Body of Bartholomew the Glorious Apostle
Titus the Apostle of the 70
Bishop Gortyne of Crete, Disciple of the Holy Apostle Paul
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26
14th Thursday after Pentecost
Adrian & Natalia the Martyrs & their 33 Companion Martyrs in Nicomedea
Our Righteous Father Joseph
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27
14th Friday after Pentecost
Poimen the Great
Phanourios the Great Martyr & Newly Appeared of Rhodes
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28
14th Saturday after Pentecost
Moses the Black of Scete
Diomedes & Laurence the Martyrs
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29
Beheading of the Venerable Head of the Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John
Theodora of Thessaloniki
Anastasios the New Martyr of Bulgaria
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30
15th Monday after Pentecost
Apodosis of the Feast of the Forerunner
Alexander, John & Paul, New Patriarchs of Constantinople
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31
The Placing of the Honorable Sash of the Most Holy Theotokos
Cyprian the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Carthage
Gennadius Scholarus, Patriarch of Constantinople
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