September's Recipe:
Grilled Banana Split with Merenda and Crumbled Nogat or Greek Pastelli
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Make sure everything that precedes this dessert is right off
the grill! This is one banana split sure to send you straight to that most Mediterranean of customs, the afternoon siesta.
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Ingredients:
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- 3 ounces Italian nougat or
Greek pastelli
- 4 large, firm bananas, stem tips removed, split lengthwise, with peel on
- 3 tbsp brandy or orange liqueur
- 2 tbsp honey, preferably Greek thyme or
pine honey
- 1 scant tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 scoops vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- 1/2 cup Merenda
or other chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp almond extract
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Preparation:
Place the nougat or pastelli on a sturdy work surface over a piece of parchment paper. Cover with another piece of parchment, and using a kitchen mallet, hammer until crumbled. Set aside. (The crushed nougat or pastelli can be made up to a week ahead and set aside in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.) Heat the Grill to medium.
Make the sauce:
In a double boiler over medium heat, melt the Nutella. Add the cream and almond extract and stir until blended. Keep warm, covered with plastic and in the double boiler. Place bananas cut side down on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes, until the bananas are lined with grill marks. In the meantime, whisk together the brandy, honey, and cinnamon. Turn the bananas over so that the flesh side is up, brush generously with the brandy mixture, close the lid on the grill (make sure the vents are open), and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bananas are cooked through. Remove carefully. Peel the bananas and place two grilled halves in each serving dish, preferably a glass boat. Top with two scoops of ice cream, drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with the crushed candy. Serve immediately.
4 servings
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 Excerpts
and Photography from: Mediterranean Grilling
by Diane Kochilas
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September's Article
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The Greeks of Australia
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The Greeks of Australia
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For the most part, credit could be given by all standards to the parents. Family esteem and responsibility via hard work and discipline are the primary qualities for any child raised within the Greek family. Childhood is normally preoccupied with assigned duties and employment, restricting entertainment and amusement. Greek parents assumed firm discipline over their children, often ignoring teachers and other external mediators, to maintain their cultural distinctiveness and individuality. After all, parents were equally determined to sacrifice their own wellbeing and leisure, to work long hours and overtime, in order to invest heavily in their children's education, thus providing them with better
opportunities.
By the 1990s the Greek Australians were well consolidated into the broader Australian society and their vigorous input was
recognized. Many excelled in the cinema industry and theatre as actors, directors and producers. A large number of Greek Australians became notable academics, authors and journalists. Many advanced as chief executive officers of large corporations, including Toyota and Ericsson, while many appeared in
the social and physical sciences as researchers and senior scholars. A larger number of second and third generation Greek Australians entered the legal profession as barristers, whilst some were accepted into the judicial system and became eminent judges and magistrates. A significant number of them were appointed directors in various government departments and some of them managed to become advisors to government ministers and heads of staff for state Premiers and Australian Prime Ministers. Data at the National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research, La Trobe University attest to the names and the career of personalities who entered the aforementioned vocational disciplines together with those Greek Australians who demonstrated a continuing interest in public affairs, commerce and business.
Greek Australians did not lose interest in the country they and their parents left behind. They became embroiled in
the social, political and religious turmoil of Greece with passion and determination that
equaled or even exceeded that of their compatriots of the metropolis. This can be seen in the impact that the Cypriot (1974-2004) and Macedonian (1992 and 1994) issues had on the second and third generations of Greek Australians as well as in the intergenerational celebrations resulting from Greece's achievement in the Euro 2004 football championship in Portugal (July 2004) and the successful hosting of the Athens Olympic Games (August 2004).
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This concludes our article on Greeks in Australia, which was first featured in our November 2010 newsletter. Visit our
newsletter archive to read the entire article.
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Excerpts and Photography from
The Greeks in Australia
by Anastasios Tamis
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Featured Food Item
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 Freshly baked cookies from Papa Cristo's --
a local LA favorite! You order them. We pick them up fresh & send them to you!
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<------------- Making September's recipe and find you are short on ingredients? We have them!
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Special Feature: Regional Greek Wines
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Part I - Attica & Central Greece
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One of the grapes most frequently grown in Attica, indeed in the whole of Greece, is the excellent white wine grape Savatiano, which can produce wines that are moderately alcoholic, but distinctly robust and full of character. It is perfectly adapted to the hot climate and very dry soils of Attica. Savatiano is not only extensively made into the resin-flavored retsina. Kantza, Chateau Matsa, and the white Cava Cambas also owe a lot to it.
Savatiano is the favorite, but not only the variety of grape growing in Attic soil. The estate of Chateau Matsa is experimenting with Assyrtiko and Athiri, which originally had their home in the stony Cycladean soil of Santorini. The Malagousia grape, an aromatic variety with a scent of lemon, which first reached northern Greece in 1960, is also being tried out here. The Rhoditis grape from the Ionian islands is being grown by the estate of La Reine Tour. George Pachys set up his wine business in 1908 on an estate previously belonging to Queen Amalia. In 1919 it was taken over by Lavria Serpieri, who has exported her highly respected wine to France, Egypt, and even the United States. Today, under
the management of the Serpieri grandson, the estate may have shrunk to one third of its original size but, among others, it produces Pyrgos Vassilissis, which is considered to be one of Attica's best red wines.
In addition, there are a number of other estates, which have recently succeeded in acquiring a good reputation by means of good vintages and sundry international prizes: the Hatzimichalis, Fragou, Vassiliou, Strofila, Semeli, and Megapanos wine companies. By harvesting early and using modern winemaking methods, they have recently succeeded in making good dry vins
ordinaries with
surprisingly fresh orange and peach bouquets.
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Featured Local Wines in Attica and Central Greece
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Cava Hatzimichalis: The dry Cabernet Sauvignon from this estate has a wonderful deep red color. It has a scent of red berries, a spicy, velvety taste, and is best served with game dishes and with cheese.
Chateau Semeli: For this dry red, grown on 25 acres (10 hectares) of land, 90% Cabernet Sauvignon is mixed with 10% Merlot. After two years maturing in new French oak barrels, it finally matures for a further year in the bottle. It tastes its full-bodied best at around 65°F (18°C) and is drunk with meat, game and cheese.
Savatiano Fragou: Savatiano from the Fragou vineyard is a light Attic white wine with a very fresh, flowery taste. It is one of the best-loved vins ordinaires of
the region and is recommended for serving with fish and seafood dishes at a temperature of 50°F (10°C). This wine is Assiminia Fragou Vineyards
especially on American buying trips, is also due to the expertise of head oenologist Yannis Allageorgiou.
Ampelonas Vassiliou: This dry vin ordinaire is made from 85% Savatiano and 15% Moscofilero grapes. At a temperature of 50°F (10°C), it goes well with fresh salmon and seafood. This very fruity wine is not recommended for long storage. Only a limited quantity of this wine comes onto the market each year.
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Greekshops.com is joining the global effort to reduce waste and will no longer be using plastic bags in our Santa Monica store. We will be offering these canvas bags free to customers who purchase over $100 worth of merchandise locally or online!
Just mention this offer in the Special Instructions box during checkout and we will include a free bag with your order!
Want a bag but your order is under $100?
Bags can be purchased individually here
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What's New!
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Metallic Tin & Sterling Silver Greek Orthodox Icons
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Sterling Silver & Gold Plated Jewelry
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Stainless Steel Jewelry
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London 2012 Official Olympic Game Collectible Pins
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Greek Music
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Minos Summer 2011 CD
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Non-Stop Mix Vol. 7 by Nikos Halkousis
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The Spicy Collection (CD)
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The Sound of Greece Today (CD)
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40 Klasika Zeibekika (2CD)
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Ta Hasiklidika (3CD)
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Ta Laika Tis Platieas Omonias (2CD)
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Edo Panivar - 57 Laika Dinata Tragoudia (3CD)
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Music & Cuisine : Greece (CD + Recipe Booklet)
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Solitudes : Santorini Splendor CD
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Zontani Ihografisi 2011 - Ei Man Koita Brosta, Pyx Lax
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Live Ta Megala Tragoudia Epi Skinis, Giorgos Dalaras (6CD)
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In Rock, Stelios Rokkos (2CD)
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21+4 Matomena Dakria, Notis Sfakianakis (2CD)
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Me Tin Agapi Ta Ho Vali, Aggeliki Iliadi
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Ena Piano Mia Foni - Gazarte Live I & II, Alkistis Protopsalti (2CD)
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Tarira, Elena Tsaligopoulou
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Greatest Hits and More, Elena Paparizou (3CD)
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O Trelos Mou Harakiras, Zafiris Melas
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Adikrista, Kostas Makedonas
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O Elahistos Eavtos, Thanasis Papakonstandinou
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Ta Dika Mas Tragoudia, Hristos Dantis
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Eggyisi, Hara Verra
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Erota Me Lene, Efi Thodi
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Mistirio Treno, George Sabanis
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Children's Toys, DVDs & Music in Greek
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Women's Greek Fisherman Hats & Children's Apparel
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Greek Flags & Gift Ideas
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Latest Arrivals
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Greek Entertainment DVDs
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Vintage Greek City Photo & Advertisement Posters
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Featured Destination
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Cyclades - Andros (part 11 of 22)
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 GEOGRAPHY Andros is the northernmost island in the Cyclades, the second largest and the closest to Euboia, which is only 7 nautical miles away (Cape Kafirea or Cavo d'Oro). 380 sq. km. in area, 177 km. of coastline, distance from Rafina 36 nautical miles. There are car and passenger ferries from Rafina which also link the island with Tenos and Mykonos, as well as Paros, and Naxos (more frequent during the summer). The island's capital, Andros, has a population of 9,020. Its terrain is mountainous (highest point 994 m. a.s.l.), dissected by ravines and three lush, verdant valleys with running water. The coast is likewise precipitous and there are sandy beaches only in the south. As of old most of the inhabitants are seafarers. On account of its extraordinary scenery, therapeutic springs, picturesque villages and historic monuments, the island is gaining in popularity, despite the locals' objection to tourism.
HISTORY Little is known about the island's remote past. It was colonised by Ionians in historical times and was closely associated with Athens and Euboia. Its acme lasted from the 7th to the 4th century BC, particularly in art and literature. Andros sided with the Medes during the Persian Wars, for which action the Athenians imposed a punitive tax. A member of the Athenian League, it supported Sparta in the Peloponnesian War, afterwards passing into Macedonian hands and, later, to the Romans who ceded it to Attalos of Pergamon. The floru it enjoyed in Byzantine times, despite persistent piratical attacks, was due to the thriving silk industry. In 1207 it was taken by the Venetians, belonging to the Duchy of Naxos, and was ceded to Marinos Dandolos. At that time towers and castles were erected all over the island to ward off marauding pirates. It was sacked in 1537 by Barbarossa and captured by the Turks in 1566. The insurgence against the Turks in 1821 was led by Kairis.
SIGHTS-MONUMENTS The island's capital, Andros (Chora), is built on the southeast side on the same site as the medieval town. In appearance it is typically Cycladic with steep, narrow streets, pristine white houses, archways and churches. At Mesa Kastro, built by the Venetians on the tiny peninsula on the outskirts of Chora, parts of the ramparts, tower and vaulted stone bridge over the moat, uniting it with Kato Kastro, can still be seen today. Entry to Mesa Kastro was through a main gateway (oxoporta) and smaller, secondary gateways (paraportia). Sections of the walls and traces of the buildings have survived from the Kato Kastro. In Chora itself the churchs of the Virgin Palatiani and the Virgin Hodegitria are worth visiting, as is the Maritime Museum, the Archaeological Museum, with rich finds of all eras, and the Art Gallery with works by the sculptor Tobros.
 To the west of Chora are the villages of Lamyra, Strapouries and Ypsila with their gardens and greenery, as well as Menites, one of the loveliest on the island with ruined towers and the church of the Madonna of Koumoulos. Further south is Mesaria, centre of the island in the 18th and 19th century, with the Kairis family tower and church of the Taxiarchs, built in the reign of Manuel Comnenus (1143 - 1180), according to an inscription, and with an 18th century marble iconostasis. The churches of Archangel Michael at Melida and the Dormition at Mesathouri are contemporary with the church of the Taxiarchs, while the monastery of Panachrantos at Fallika was founded in 961 by Nicephorus Phocas, after the liberation of Crete. 9 km. southeast of Chora is the village of Livadia with its Frankish church, in olden days the Catholic cathedral. At Apoikia (northwest of Chora) are the Sariza springs and to the north the monastery of St. Nicholas (18th century). Stenies, another very attractive village to the north of Apoikia, has many handsome houses, mostly belonging to sea captains and sailors. One of the most beautiful regions of the island extends from just south of Chora as far as Korthi and includes several charming villages and Venetian towers. The church of the Virgin Phaneromeni at Kochylos merits a visit and the castle to the north, built in the early years of Venetian occupation, is variously known as Apano Kastro, Palaiokastro or tis Grias to Kastro.
On the southernmost tip of the west coast, at Zagora, excavations have brought to light finds of the Geometric era (8th century BC), indicating that the region was also at its zenith during the 7th century. At Palaiopolis, on the west coast of the island, are the ruins of the ancient capital of Andros and its acropolis, which survived into Byzantine times. Batsi (27 km. northwest of Chora), to the north of Palaiochora is extremely popular with tourists. Aprovato, north of Batsi, has a ruined tower and monastery of the Lifegiving Source (Zoodochos Pege), patron of the island. A road leads from Batsi to the village of Katakoilos and from there to the mountain village of Arnas, set in the midst of woodland. On the west side of the island is its main port, Gavrion (34 km. from Chora). On the north side of Andros, just beyond the village of Aghios Petros is Kastellaki, with a ruined tower. Further north, at Makrotalanto, the ruins of yet another medieval garrison are preserved. North of here are the villages of Kalyvari and Varidi and on the hill above them the remains of a fortress known as Vriokastro. Notable churches in the Fellos region (3.5 km. north of Gavrion) are those of St. Charalambos and the Transfiguration. The beaches in both bays at Chora, Nimborio and Paraporti are fine for swimming and sea sports, as are those at Korthio, Batsi, Gavrion and Vitali. For those with boats, water is available at Batsi and water and fuel at Chora. There are several hotels and furnished flats to let.
Next month: The Islands of the Cyclades - Tenos, Part 12 of 22
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September 2011 Greek Orthodox Calendar
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Friday |
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1
Ecclesiastical New Year
Synaxis of the Recovery of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos
Symeon the Stylite
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2
12th Friday after Pentecost
Mammas the Martyr
John the Abstainer, Patriarch of Constantinople
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3
12th Saturday after Pentecost
Anthimos, Bishop of Nicomedea
Holy Father Theoctistus and his fellow struggler Euthymius the Great
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4
12th Sunday of Matthew
Babylas the Holy Martyr
Moses the Prophet & Godseer
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5
Zacharias the Prophet & Righteous Elizabeth, parents of St. John the Baptist
Urban, Theodore, & Medimnos the Hieromartyrs and the 77 Companions at Nicomedea
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6
The Miracle at Colassai of Archangel Michael
Holy Martyr Calodotus
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7
13th Wednesday after Pentecost
The Forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Sozon the Martyr
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8
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Sophronios, Bishop of Iberia
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9
The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna
Severianos the Martyr of Sebaste
Theophanes the Confessor
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10
Saturday before Holy Cross
Menodora, Metrodora, & Nymphodora the Martyrs
Poulcheria the Empress
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11
Sunday before Holy Cross
Theodora the Martyr of Alexandria
Euphrosynos the Cook
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12
Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross
Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Autonomos the Martyr
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13
Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross
Memorial of the founding of the Holy Temple: Holy Resurrection of Christ
Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr
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14
The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross
Commemoration of the 6th Ecumenical Council
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15
Nikitas the Great Martyr
Philotheos the Righteous
Bessarion of Larissa
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16
Euphemia the Great Martyr
Sebastiana, Disciple of St. Paul the Apostle
Dorotheos the Hermit of Egypt
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17
Saturday after Holy Cross
Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love
Herakleides & Myron, Bishops of Crete
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18
Sunday after Holy Cross
Eumenios, Bishop of Gortyna
Ariadne the Martyr
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19
Monday of the 1st Week
Trophimos, Sabbatios, & Dorymedon the Martyrs
Afterfeast of the Holy Cross
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20
Eustathios the Great Martyr, his wife and two children
Our Righteous Father Eustathius, Archbishop of Thessolonica
Hilarion the New Martyr of Crete
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21
Wednesday of the 1st Week
Apodosis of the Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross
St. Quadratus the Apostle
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22
Thursday of the 1st Week
Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope
Phocas the Cyprian
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23
The Conception of St. John the Baptist
Xanthippe & Polyxene the Righteous
John the New Martyr of Epiros
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24
Thekla the Protomartyr & Equal-to-the-Apostles
St. Silouan of Athos
Coprios the Righteous
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25
1st Sunday of Luke
Euphrosyne of Alexandria
Paphnoutios the Martyr & his 546 Companions in Egypt
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26
The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian
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27
Tuesday of the 2nd Week
Kallistratos the Martyr & his 49 Companions
Mark, Aristarchos, & Zenon, Apostles of the 70
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28
Chariton the Confessor
Our Righteous Father Alkeisonus, Metropolitan of Nicopolis; Old Epirus
Baruch the Prophet
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29
Thursday of the 2nd Week
Kyriakos the Hermit of Palestine
Martyr Petronius
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30
Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia
Mardonios & Stratonikos the Martyrs
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