February's Recipe:
Eggplant with Tabbouleh & Yogurt Sauce
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Ingredients:
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- 4 small eggplants
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4 bottled Florina peppers (pimentos)
- 1 recipe yogurt sauce (basic recipes)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 3 tbsp grated onion
- 2 small cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
for the tabbouleh:
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- 1 cup bulgur (broken wheat)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup finely chopped parsley and mint
- 2 large tomatoes, skinned, seeded and finely chopped
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Preparation:
Prepare the tabbouleh. Put the bulgur in a bowl, cover with
water and soak for 2 hours, until it swells. Strain very well.
Put the strained bulgur in a large bowl and mix it with
the parsley, mint, tomatoes, green onions, onion, garlic, and
half the lemon juice. Refrigerate for one hour. Beat the rest of
the lemon juice with the oil, salt and freshly ground pepper and
leave in the refrigerator to pour over the salad just before
serving. Wash the eggplants and cut in half lengthways. Make 2
or 3 incisions in the skin of the eggplant, without cutting
right through to the other side. Sprinkle with plenty of salt
and leave in a colander to drain for 1 hour. Wash again and
squeeze with your hands to extract all the water. Deep-fry the
eggplant halves. Strain them so that the surplus oil drains off
and lay them on a dish. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and
spread half a slice of red pepper on top of each eggplant. Leave
to cool. Serve the tabbouleh inside the eggplants accompanied by
1 tablespoon of yogurt sauce. The dish prepared without the
yogurt can be refrigerated for several hours, up to 1 day.
Preparation time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time 1 hour
Vegetarian, low fat
recipe.
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 Excerpts
and Photography from:
Cooking a Love Affair
by Alexia Alexiadou
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February's Article: |
| The Greeks of Australia |
The Greeks of Australia
From 1890 to 1930 many underage boys were the victims of the padrone system. Children as young as eleven years
old were brought by their relatives to work under their authority long hours in cages, confectionery shops, laundries, coffeehouses,
carpentry, grocery shops and restaurants under callous conditions. Some of the boys worked as vegetable, fruit and fish peddlers. Their
transportation was arranged and paid for by the relative by means of mortgage, while their parents in Greece were assured that
adequate provisions would be made to secure not only their financial welfare but also their education. In return the boy was to
remain under their authority and in their employment for at least one year. During the early years many boys experienced complete
isolation, censorship of their mail, severe exploitation and inability to abandon the padrone.
Greek immigration was influenced by the fact that it was based on kinship, family values and loyalties. Pioneer immigrants had no
choice but to follow the settlement and occupational patterns selected by the senior settlers of their family and to follow
professions that had been followed by the pioneer settlers and their family to safeguard the customs and tradition of their
village of origin. Many young Greek immigrants remained unmarried out of family obligation towards the single sisters that they
left in the old country, while some decided to marry in order to provide a family environment and to look after their elderly parents.
The formation of crowded communes in houses in their inner suburban areas in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide whereby single young
men or families of the same kinship shared common facilities must be assessed in the light of these values.
Companionship, security, financial advancement and easy access to accommodation were the advantages of the communal system. the
main concerns of the Greek family were for their children to maintain loyalty to the villages customs and values, not to marry
outside the ethnic group and to maintain their mother tongue. Postwar immigrants added to these aims the attainment of an
excellent education for their children and the acquisition of real estate not only for a more affluent lifestyle and prosperity but
also for security.
In financially difficult periods employment was the exclusive privilege of British subjects, forcing the majority of the new
immigrants into constant mobility to find seasonal work. Colonial and post colonial governments protected these concession laws
and prevented banks from lending to employers hiring the services of non-British persons. The character of the Australian colonies
until the early years following the Second World War, remained British. Since the introduction of the Aliens Legislation in WA, in
1867, non-British settlers were prohibited from acquiring land. This was amended in 1951 when certain countries, including Greece,
were declared 'friendly countries' and in 1965 land rights were extended to citizens of those countries who migrated to Australia.
During the post federation period the union movement and the Australian Labor Party continued an anti-immigration policy,
confining most southern European settlers to manual work in the rural areas and exercising political pressure on governments to
enforce restrictions at the expense of the immigrants. Some settlers, because of their wealth, and accompanying generosity, became
more accepted in Anglo-Australian society and this acceptance, combined with their wealth, enabled them to visit relatives and act
as advocates on Greek national issues. (Tamis and Gavakis, 2002).
Australian opinion about immigration was influenced by British tradition and, to a very large extent, by economic conditions. the
level of acceptance was largely determined on the basis of proximity to 'the Australian way of life', the degree of historical
ties with Britain, and the capacity to assimilate. Acceptance of Greek immigrants, however, ultimately rested on their ability to
serve the interests of the society without threatening entrenched labor positions. Even by 1948 the relative position of Greek
immigrants appeared in favor of limited Greek entry (the second highest after the Chinese), 45 per cent were positively
favorable, while 18 percent voted for their exclusion (Tamis, 2000). The Japanese threat, the aftermath of World War II and
gradual changes in government and public opinion increased the acceptance of liberal reforms. The process for the liberalization
of immigration policies was cumbersome because the pressure for change was indirect. Most politicians considered any association
with liberal movement as a political liability. After 1965, the Menzies Government adopted constructive proposals submitted by
liberal pressure groups, including the Australian Council of Churches and Associations for Immigration Reforms. It was the vision
and the policies adopted by contemporary statesmen that laid the foundation for the formation of a multicultural Australian society.
Despite their hardships pioneer Greeks successfully grafted the social and cultural life of the old country onto the new
environment. Living in communes within the inner suburban areas of the capital cities they managed to lay the foundations for the
establishment of the first church was built and soon after launched the Greek language Sunday schools (1900). They also sponsored
musical and theatrical productions (1912), circulated their first newspaper Australia (1913), published their first book, a
commercial and social guide, The Life in Australia (1916), initiated social events and set up their most fashionable form of
social institution, the Greek kafeneia (coffee houses). The coffee house was the most widespread form of organization amongst the
Balkan immigrants, acting as an all-male recreational centre, meeting place and a venue for finding employment and acquaintances.
Heated political discussions took place there, attracting only those patrons who were in complete ideological alignment with the
proprietor and his political favorites. Pictures of the political figures were portrayed on the walls to manifest the ideological
reference point of the place. Their patrons played cards, held endless discussions on politics and philosophy and gossiped about
community leaders. In periods of domestic community strife, coffee houses were the venues for public debate and an arena for
learned discussions, often mistaken for quarrels by the agents of the Australian secret services. Many Greek organizations were
established using the kafeneia as their assembly place. During the early years, in the absence of any churches and clergymen,
Greek pioneer settlers had the opportunity to listen in the kafeneia to some chants during the Good Friday and the
Easter celebrations or even to conduct certain sacraments with the assistance of gramophones.
Article to be continued next month
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Special Feature:
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Zakynthos: Food, Wine & Products
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Alisiva is ash or lye: wood ash is boiled in water,
carefully strained, and used to clarify and keep fruit firm for
spoon sweets. In the old days ladies used it also for their laundry:
they folded the freshly washed sheets, still wet, placed them in
straw baskets and sprinkled layers of ash between them. Over this
they poured hot water, which rinsed away the ashes as it purified
and bleached the sheets.
Daphne is bay leaf. It is the best seasoning in red sauces
and baked fish or poultry. It is also used to flavor dried fruits
such as figs and raisins, It is useful in closets to keep woolen
clothes from moths during summer.
Capers, either fresh or pickled, are perfect in salads and
stuffing.
Canela is cinnamon, often used in tomato and meat sauces and
usually accompanied by cloves. It is also used in pies and sweets,
boiled in syrups, sprinkled on rizogalo and in spoon sweets.
Clove, usually accompanied with cinnamon in spicy and red
sauces, is used to decorate baklava and other sweets, and is also
added to herbal tea, which helps with colds.
Pine nuts are used in Zakynthian cuisine in stuffed
vegetables and desserts.
Dill grows in all gardens in Zakynthos. It is used in red
sauces, salads and stuffed vegetables, especially in artichokes,
string beans and in sgatzeto, the Greek Magiritsa, which is the
Easter Soup. Zakynthians combine it mostly with fennel.
Maratho is fennel, similar to dill. It is commonly used in
red sauces, salads and stuffed vegetables.
Parsley is often used in salads, red sauces, stuffed
vegetables and in Sperna -sweetened grain dish- served at memorials.
Diosmos is mint, found plentifully in most gardens to be used
for therapeutic reasons and as an herbal tea to soothe the
intestines. It is often used in red sauces and is essential is
polpetes, meatballs, for its excellent flavor and scent.
Thendrolivano is rosemary, used in baked dishes such as
chicken, other meats, or fish on charcoal. It is also served as a
tea accompanied with other herbs.
Glykaniso is anise, mostly used in sweets, breads and mainly
in paximathia, sweet rusks, and also a herb for newborn babies, to
soothe their intestines.
Anthonero is blossom water, usually from orange blossoms,
used in making pasteli and some cosmetics.
Arbaroriza is the rose geranium. Its leaves are sweet and
Zakynthians use them for their scent when making jams and sweets,
especially quince and grape jam.
Chamomile is a therapeutic herb which Zakynthians collect in
the spring and keep for the whole year. It is appreciated as a
therapeutic drink either for stomach problems, eye infections, or
soothing babies discomforts. It is also used as disinfectant and for
cosmetic purposes too.
Faskomilo is a herb similar to sage. It is a mountain tea and
has a strong taste and scent. It is a wild bush that beekeepers feed
their hives. Zakynthians collect it from the hills, let it dry, and
keep it for a long time. In winter it is boiled in water, strained
and served with honey as a special drink for colds.
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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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2011 Gouria Goodluck Charms |
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Costume Jewelry & Accessories |
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Greek
Music |
25th Anniversary Limited Edition Box Set, Notis Sfakianakis (6CD, 2DVD)
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Hriso Paketo 2011 |
The Island – TV Series Soundtrack O.S.T. |
Epitihies 2011 (3 CD) |
Rithmos In the Mix Vol. 3 , Various Artists |
Minos 2011 Special Edition |
Laika 2011 (3CD edition) |
Kolasi 2011 |
Dio fones mia psihi, Yiannis Ploutarhos
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Parafora, Sakis Rouvas |
Mihalis, Mihalis Hatziyiannis |
To Kalitero Psema, Mihalis Hatziyiannis
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Agapi einai esy, Anna Vissi |
Doro yia sena, Nikos Ikonomopoulos |
Aggeli stin kolasi, Kelli Kelekidou |
Notis Sfakianakis, Matomeno Dakri - Horeftikon |
I zoi mou erotas, Natassa Theodoridou |
Giorgos Dalaras sings Stavros Kougioumtzis
(2 CD) |
Perasma, Sokratis Malamas |
Ta Kommatia tis Psihis mou |
Sti hora ton trelon, Onirama |
Egklima kai Timoria, Giorgos Margaritis |
Stous Torinous Kairous, Giorgos Koinousis (2CD) |
Stamatis Gonidis, Se thelo |
S' ta ipa ola, Vasilis Karras |
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Books in Greek |
The Education of an American Dreamer, Peter G. Peterson (In English) |
I skotini plevra tou Iliou by Chrisa Dimoulidou
(In Greek) |
Den mpori, tha strosei, by Lena Manta (In Greek) |
Opws Ithela na Zisw, by Eleni Priovolou (In Greek) |
I tehni tou na eisai giagia, by Hara Marantidou
(In Greek) |
Ta Sakia, by Ioanna Karystiani (in Greek) |
I ksypoliti twn Athinwn, by Filomila Lapata (In Greek) |
Skiouros ziti Berberitsa, by David Sedaris (in Greek) |
CIA, o aporritos fakelos tou Andrea Papandreou, by Marios Evriviades (In Greek) |
Ypo to miden, Tessera Sholia gia tin Krisi
(In Greek)/strong> |
Oi anthropoi mou, by Stavros Theodorakis
(in Greek) |
Mia Nea Eksoteriki Politiki gia tin Ellada, by Spiros Markezinis (In Greek) |
1821 - I Gennisi enos Ethnous, by Pashalis Kitromilidis (In Greek) |
Psomi kai Alati, the Coobook, by Giannis Loukakos (In Greek) |
O giros tis Elladas se dekaeksi taksidia, by Kostas Horikos (In Greek)
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Children's Books in Greek & English |
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Children's DVDs in Greek |
Walt Disney :: Fantasia :: Special Edition, In Greek (PAL/Zone 2) |
Madagascar 2, In Greek (PAL/Zone 2) |
Shrek 4, Forever After, In Greek (PAL/Zone 2) |
Barbie, Mariposa, In Greek (PAL/Zone 2) |
Barbie, Princess of the Magic Island, In Greek (PAL/Zone 2) |
The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea (PAL / Zone 2) In Greek |
Walt Disney :: Aladdin - The Return of Jafar, 2 DVD Special Edition, In Greek (PAL/Zone 2) |
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, In Greek (PAL/Zone 2) |
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) |
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Greek
T-shirts & Sports Gear |
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Vintage Greek City Photo & Advertisement Posters |
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| Featured Destination: Cyclades -
Seriphos (part
4 of 22) |
|
 GEOGRAPHY
South of Kythnos, this is the third of the Western
Cyclades covering an area of 73 sq. km., with 70 km. of
coastline and a population of 1,133. Seriphos is 73
nautical miles from Piraeus, from where there is a daily
ferry boat, and is similarly linked with Siphnos,
Kimolos and Melos. Its capital is Seriphos (Chora). A
mountainous island (highest point Tourlos, 585 m. a.s.
I.) with small, fertile plains between the ridges, its
coastline is highly indented, the largest bays being
that of Livadi in the south and Koutala in the
southwest. The population is involved in farming and
fishing. The island has its own specific yet basically
Cycladic atmosphere which in recent years has attracted
an ever growing number of tourists, even though
facilities are somewhat limited.
HISTORY Mythology tells us that Perseus grew to
manhood on Seriphos, arriving here in a bladder,
together with his mother Danae, fleeing the wrath of his
father Akrisios, king of Argos. It was from Seriphos
that he set forth to slay the dreaded Medusa. The island
was settled by Ionian colonists in historical times,
took part in the Persian Wars and became a member of the
Athenian League. During the Roman period it was a place
of banishment, in Byzantine times it faded into oblivion
and then passed into the hands of the Venetians who
apportioned it between several noble families. The
Micheli family, which gained predominance, was expelled
by the Turks (1537) after Barbarossa sacked the island.
Like the rest of the Cyclades, Seriphos was frequently
attacked by pirates, was held by the Russians (1770
-1774) for a brief interval and took part in the
Struggle for Independence.
 SIGHTS-MONUMENTS
Chora, the main town, is built on a hill overlooking the
harbour and presents a truly charming picture when
viewed from afar, with its bright white houses,
serpentine path wending its way up from the harbour,
narrow alleyways with the paving stones outlined in
whitewash and ruined Venetian castle. Indeed, it is one
of the loveliest Cycladic towns. A small archaeological
collection of finds from the region is housed in the
Town Hall. There are many Postbyzantine churches, most
of which have been renovated (St. Eleftherios, St.
Athanasios) and the church of St. Constantine stands
inside the castle
On the other side of the castle are the churches of St.
John the Theologian and the Archangels. In the village
of Panaghia (4 km.), north of Chora, there is a
Byzantine church of the Virgin, built in the 10th or
11th century; its feast day is celebrated on August
15th. West of Panaghia is the church of St. Stephen in
which traces of Byzantine wall-paintings are preserved.
 Close to the village of Galani (2 km. northeast) stands
the most important monument on the island, the monastery
of the Taxiarchs, a fortress-like structure dated to the
17th century. Refurbished 18th century wall-paintings
embellish the katholikon. The monastery possesses rare
keimelia and valuable books and manuscripts. East of it
lies the village of Kentarchos and beyond that the
region of Psili Ammos, suitable for swimming. On the
southwest side of the island are the bays of Livadi (10
km. from Chora) and Koutala (13 km. from Chora) known as
Porto Catena in the Middle Ages and the virtually
deserted villages of Koutalas and Mega Livadi. On an
eminence above Koutalas is the site known as Kastro tis
Grias, evidently inhabited at some time since there is a
castle there, as well as a few ruined houses, traces of
a fortification wall and remnants of a Hellenistic tower
popularly known as Aspropyrgos. There is a second
Hellenistic tower (Psaropyrgos) atop the hill of
Kyklopas. West of Koutalas is the homonymous cave,
discovered by chance while extracting metal ore, which
was a cult place in antiquity; it has not been
exploited.
On the southeast side of the island is the harbour,
Livadi, sheltered from strong winds, a safe haven for
all vessels and nowadays a marina for yachts. The
island's sandy beaches and crystal clear sea can be
reached by caique or on foot and even by vehicle,
although the road network is rather rudimentary. Those
most easily accessible are Livadi, Koutalas (by caique
from Livadi), Megan Livadi, Psili Ammos (by caique),
Ramos and Sykamia. Other coves and beaches can be
reached by boat. There is a station for replenishing
water supplies at Livadi and all the hotels, rooms and
apartments are here, though there are a few rooms for
rent in Chora.
Next month:
The Islands of the Cyclades - Siphnos, Part 5 of 22
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February
2011 Greek Orthodox Calendar |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
Tryphon the Martyr
Forefeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
Perpetua & her Companions
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2
The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
Gabriel the New Martyr of Constantinople
Jordan the New Martyr
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3
Symeon the God-Receiver, Anna the Prophetess
Stamatios, John, & Nicholas, New Martyrs of Chios
Nicholas, Archbishop & Enlightener of Japan
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4
Friday of the 15th Week
Isidore of Pelusium
Nicholas the Confessor
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5
Saturday of the 15th Week
Agatha the Martyr
Polyeuktos, Partriarch Of Constantinople
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6
Sunday of the Canaanite
Photios, Patriarch of Constantinople
Bucolos, Bishop of Smyrna
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7
17th Monday after Pentecost
Parthenios, Bishop of Lampsakos
Luke the Righteous of Greece
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8
Theodore the Commander & Great Martyr
Zechariah the Prophet
Nicephoros & Stephanos the Martyrs
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9
17th Wednesday after Pentecost
Leavetaking of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
Nicephoros the Martyr of Antioch
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10
Haralambos the Holy Martyr
Anastasios, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Porphyrios & Baptos the Monk-martyrs
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11
Vlassios the Holy Martyr of Sebaste
Theodora the Empress
Finding of the relics of Zachariah the Prophet, Father of the Holy Forerunner
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12
17th Saturday after Pentecost
Meletios, Archbishop of Antioch
Antonius, Archbishop of Constantinople
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13
Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
Martinianos the Righteous
Aquilla & Priscilla the Apostles
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14
Fast Free
Monday of Prodigal Son
Holy Father Auxentius of the Mountain
Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles & Teacher of the Slavs
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15
Fast Free
Tuesday of Prodigal Son
Onesimus the Apostle of the 70
Our Righteous Father Anthimus the Elder of Chios
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16
Fast Free
Wednesday of Prodigal Son
Pamphilios the Martyr & his Companions
Flavianos, Patriarch of Constantinople
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17
Fast Free
Thursday of Prodigal Son
Theodore the Tyro, Great Martyr
Mariamne, sister of Apostle Philip
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18
Fast Free
Friday of Prodigal Son
Leo the Great, Pope of Rome
Agapetus the Confessor, Bishop of Sinai
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19
Fast Free
Saturday of Prodigal Son
Philemon & Archippos, Apostles of the 70
Philothea the Righteous Martyr of Athens
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20
Sunday of Prodigal Son
Leo, Bishop of Catania
Agathus, Pope of Rome
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21
Meatfare Monday
Timothy the Righteous
John III, Patriarch of Constantinople
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22
Meatfare Tuesday
Finding of the Relics of the Holy Martyrs of Eugenios
Our Righteous Fathers Thalassius and Baradatus
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23
Meatfare Wednesday
Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna
Proterios, Archbishop of Alexandria
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24
First & Second Finding of the Venerable Head of John the Baptist
Romanos, Prince of Uglich
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25
Meatfare Friday
Tarasios, Patriarch of Constantinople
Reginos, Bishop of Skopelos
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26
Saturday of Souls
Porphyrios, Bishop of Gaza
Photini the Samaritan Woman & her martyred sisters: Anatole, Phota, Photis, Paraskevi, & Kyriaki
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27
Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
Prokopios the Confessor of Decapolis
Raphael of Brooklyn
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28
Cheesefare Monday
Righteous John Cassian the Confessor
Basil the Confessor
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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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