Greek recipes

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Lamb on the stove, a Greek Eurovision song from the 70s, and free books for all

Hello! Thought I’d share with you today my family recipe for lamb prepared on the stove with carrots and spices.

The sauce of this meal tastes divine, thanks to the aromatic spices. The tang of the fresh lemon juice added at the very end is all the money! Some of the spices in the recipe are optional, but I do recommend you use turmeric. I include it in most of the meals that I make. It enhances the taste and offers a wealth of health benefits.

You can enjoy this lamb dish with rice or fries. Personally, I prefer it with rice. Any rice suitable for risotto will do, but I’ve also tried it with Basmati or Jasmine or American long-grain rice mixed with wild rice (see picture above).

For the lamb, any part will do, but make sure to have some pieces with bones in them (shoulder or leg are great) as this adds extra nutrients and taste to the sauce.

GO HERE TO GET THE RECIPE

 

Earlier this month, my husband and I visited the annual local produce festival in Megara that took place at a beautiful park. A chef was making mussel risotto for everyone, and the adorable Bessy Argyraki gave a concert at the open theatre in the park.

I was delighted to see she’d brought along Tolis Papadimitriou, one of my favourite stars in the Greek TV comedy, “Mourmoura”. I jumped at the chance to ask him to pose with me for a selfie after his appearance. You should have seen me, smiling to my ears like a teeny bopper LOL!

Well, actually, if you check out the photos I took that night, you will see one of the selfies I took with him.

By the way, if you’re Greek and you can get Alpha channel’s Mourmoura, don’t hesitate to try it. The episodes have been gems ever since series 1. I don’t think I’ve missed a single one and I’ve watched 10 series so far, LOL!

Are you a Eurovision fan? Then, you may remember Greece’s first big hit in this music contest back in 1977 when Bessie Argyraki, alongside three other Greek youths at the time (Marianna Toli, Paschalis and Robert Williams), sang the beautiful, uplifting song, Mathema Solfege. The rest is history, as they say, seeing that all four youngsters developed in time into quite popular music stars in Greece for decades on end.

Mrs Argyraki continues to entertain the Greek audience today. I enjoyed the concert so much, especially as some of her old songs brought back fond memories from my childhood. As a little girl, I was forever borrowing my mother’s big hairbrush from the dresser to sing Mathema Solfege with my friends, LOL!

If you follow Greek music, I invite you to watch this short video from the concert and get a small taste of the dynamite lady, the perpetual young girl at heart that is Bessy Argyraki. Her passion for singing makes her so. Tireless for two hours, amazing, hilarious with her jokes, adorable. She charmed everyone, even the small kids!

Go here to see pictures from the concert and from the park, too.

Hey, before you go! In my latest newsletter, I am sharing a plethora of FREE kindle books! Check it out here!

 

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NEW! A historical paranormal romance box set. This is the timeless love story that will stay with you forever. Set in Moraitika, Corfu and Brighton, England. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HEvMPG
Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
 
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu!

 

For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.

 

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A soup for strong Greeks! Beef soup with veg. Oh! And a load of FREE books!

You need strength? Get cooking ‘kreatosoupa’!

Today, I am pleased to share another authentic Greek recipe – a delicious and wholesome soup made with beef, vegetables and rice. Ask any Greek what they eat when they are feeling weak or ill and they will tell you ‘Kreatosoupa’ or ‘Kotosoupa’ (beef soup or chicken soup). I’ll bet money on it, haha. And it’s true. Nothing strengthens more than these Greek soups – not just thanks to the precious protein but also the generous lashings of lemon juice.

Go here to get my family recipe for beef soup

(and chicken soup with ‘avgolemono’ as well!)

 

In my latest newsletter, I am sharing a plethora of FREE kindle books! Check it out here!

 

OOPPAAA! SIGN UP TO MY BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND GET 3 BOOKS FROM ME AS A WELCOME GIFT! SEE BELOW FOR THIS OFFER!

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

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Get Effrosyni’s FREE books with your signup to her bimonthly newsletter! Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

NEW! A historical paranormal romance box set. This is the timeless love story that will stay with you forever. Set in Moraitika, Corfu and Brighton, England. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HEvMPG
Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
 
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu!

 

For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.

 

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Greek halva dessert step by step recipe

 

Greek Lent calls for halva dessert with semolina! Here’s how to make it, step by step!

Today, I am pleased to share with you the traditional recipe for Greek halva. It is both yummy and nutritious. The cloves, the cinnamon stick, and the lemon rind in the syrup along with the generous sprinkle of cinnamon on top of this Greek fasting dessert will please your palate no end!

GET THE RECIPE!

In my latest newsletter, I am sharing a load of FREE books! You’ll also find the latest from my life in Greece – this time, some recent photos from Lent Monday in my little seaside town. Enjoy!

 

OOPPAAA! SIGN UP TO MY BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND GET 3 BOOKS FROM ME AS A WELCOME GIFT! SEE BELOW FOR THIS OFFER!

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

Fun news from a Greek author and FREE books for all! #asmsg #freebies #Greeklife Share on X

 

Get Effrosyni’s FREE books with your signup to her bimonthly newsletter! Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

NEW! A historical paranormal romance box set. This is the timeless love story that will stay with you forever. Set in Moraitika, Corfu and Brighton, England. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HEvMPG
Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
 
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu!

 

For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.

 

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Greek calamari stew, Lent Mondays of old, and FREE books for all

This dish uses cuttlefish or squid (calamari), and it is equally delicious with pasta, rice or potatoes.

The recipe I am sharing today is my father’s – and it’s cuttlefish stew with tubular pasta. You’ll find in it, however, useful notes if substituting the pasta with rice or potatoes. The sauce tastes divine, containing, among other things, red wine and bay leaf. The lemon juice added at the very end enhances the taste even further.

GET THE RECIPE!

In my latest newsletter, I am sharing a bunch of FREE kindle books and the latest from my life in Greece. In this issue, I share memories from Lent Monday weekends of my childhood. Enjoy!

Hey! The Ebb is FREE today! Go to Amazon to grab it 🙂

Make sure to download my permafree books too!

 

OOPPAAA! SIGN UP TO MY BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND GET 3 BOOKS FROM ME AS A WELCOME GIFT! SEE BELOW FOR THIS OFFER!

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

Fun news from a Greek author and FREE books for all! #iartg #freebies #Greece Share on X

 

Get Effrosyni’s FREE books with your signup to her bimonthly newsletter! Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

NEW! A historical paranormal romance box set. This is the timeless love story that will stay with you forever. Set in Moraitika, Corfu and Brighton, England. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HEvMPG
Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
 
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu!

 

For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.

 

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Healthy water remedies, Greek leek risotto, and a load of FREE books

Do you have leeks in the fridge? You can make this sweet ambrosia in no time!

Prasorizo is a wonderful Greek risotto that’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans. The main ingredients are leeks (prasa) and rice (rizi). The aromatic dill and the tang of the fresh lemon juice really make it!

Get my recipe now, along with the similar risotto ones that use spinach (spanakorizo) and cabbage (lahanorizo)!

GRAB THE RECIPE!

 

VISIT MY LATEST NEWSLETTER FOR SUPER-HEALTHY WATER REMEDIES YOU CAN EASILY PREPARE AT HOME WITH BASIC NATURAL INGREDIENTS. THEY ARE HIGHLY BENEFICIAL FOR WEIGHT LOSS, CLEAR SKIN, BAD THROAT, ENERGY BOOSTING ET AL. YOU’LL ALSO GET TO CHOOSE YOUR BOOK VALENTINES IN TIME FOR THE BIG DAY FROM A PLETHORA OF FREE BOOK OFFERS!

 

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YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

Fun news from a Greek author and FREE books for all! #iartg #freebies #romance Share on X

 

Get Effrosyni’s FREE books with your signup to her bimonthly newsletter! Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

NEW! A historical paranormal romance box set. This is the timeless love story that will stay with you forever. Set in Moraitika, Corfu and Brighton, England. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HEvMPG
Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
 
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu!

 

 
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Chocolate mousse in a cup, a musical coconut, and freebies for all!

Watch me play the kalimba in this short Facebook video

He he. I can’t stop chuckling. Until December last year, I didn’t even know what a kalimba was. The kalimba (or ‘thumb piano’) originates from Zimbabwe, a musical instrument traditional of the Shona people.

It all started with a video ad on Facebook and instantly I was hooked! I had to get my hands on one, hoping to add some new joy to my life with its sweet sound. When I told Andy, my husband, he grew excited as he lived the first eight years of his life in Zimbabwe. He said the air was often full of the sounds of kalimba as people played in their homes. I was so glad to hear that, as I had purchased a second one, just for him, as an impromptu new year’s present. Finding out I’d bought him something that could help him recapture a fond memory of his childhood gave me even more joy to give it.

It was thrilling for both of us to unpack our kalimbas when they arrived at our door shortly after Christmas but the excitement quickly turned into disappointment.

Our kalimbas were out of tune! Plus, we had no idea how to tune them. However, we didn’t need to fret for long. My amazing hubby took action at once! The ‘amazing’ bit is well deserved, believe me. I am not just being partial here.

If you’ve been reading my emails for a while, you may recall that last year Andy made me a jewellery box using an ancient Japanese technique to blow-torch the wood. Or that he has restored an old motorbike that used to be only good for scrap, turning it into a glistening beauty that he is now pleased to ride back and forth to work. Still, his capacity to make anything he sets his mind to never ceases to astound me.

In a matter of five minutes, he had used Youtube to find out how to tune a kalimba. Then, he strode to the front door, announcing he was going to his shed, and I felt hopeful.

Under an hour later, he came back looking like the cat that got the cream, holding up this tiny hammer that he’d just made, using scraps of wood and metal that lay about in the shed (see photo above). I was so impressed! Then, he proceeded by tuning the kalimbas to perfection… I am still unable to believe it. And I feel so lucky. I mean, what do people do in this case if they don’t have a shed with an Andy in it? LOL

It’s been less than a month and I’ve already memorised 4 tunes in the kalimba in my spare time. I take just a few minutes a day to play and commit old and new key sequences to memory. And the joy I get from these few minutes last me all day. There is a plethora of Youtube videos for 8-key kalimbas so there’s lots more to learn.

Already, I am aspiring to get a 17-key kalimba later on as the sound on those is way better, plus the extra keys help to play more songs. I have my eye on a specific one already but I am delaying it until I have mastered this one first. I’ve always been ‘weird’ like that, I guess. Always delaying gratification and giving any endeavour a fair chance to bloom before I skip on to the next one 🙂 Besides, I am thinking, if my humble 8-key kalimba could only speak, it would no doubt ask me to give it enough attention so it can reach its full potential. And, if you’ve hit the video link above you will undoubtedly agree that I am nowhere near an 8-key kalimba virtuoso as yet haha

After making the little tuning hammer, Andy didn’t stop. Next thing I knew he was busy with a ‘secret project’, buying coconuts at the supermarket and a tiny dessert spoon set at a local thrift store.

So here you go. The fruit of his latest efforts is a musical coconut. Or, should I say, a dessert-spoon kalimba? LOL!

And even if it looks great… please… don’t ask me how it sounds. I haven’t taken out my ear plugs yet, just in case haha

To be honest, even though it got tuned okay, it sounds plain awful. It has to be ore steel, I guess, and the dessert spoons don’t cut it. But doesn’t it look pretty? And it keeps my man happy. Who am I to stop him?

Seriously, by now I am convinced that a good practice for a happy life is seeking joy every day… pleasing the child we all have inside. Nurturing it, pleasing it, and allowing it to ‘play’, can only reap benefits in our lives. The kalimba is working miracles on me, I’ll tell you that. And I hope you have your own little thing that makes you smile every day. I have noticed that I sing to myself all day since I started thumping on those little keys, and I am not in the least surprised!

These chocolatey desserts are quick and easy to rustle up at home and utterly delicious. The tang of the orange zest makes these little cups of heaven! I love how small they are – ideal for guilt-free treats if you’re minding your waistline like I do. And, what’s more… no cooking necessary. They become perfect after a few hours in the fridge. I use Greek coffee cups to make them, but you can also use espresso cups or other small ones you may have at home.

GET THE RECIPE

Check out the newsletter and get my awarded paranormal romance for FREE!

FOR A LOAD OF FREE BOOKS, VISIT MY LATEST NEWSLETTER RIGHT HERE!

 

OOPPAAA! SIGN UP TO MY BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND GET 3 BOOKS FROM ME AS A WELCOME GIFT! SEE BELOW FOR THIS OFFER!

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

Fun news from a Greek writer and FREE books for all! #iartg #freebies #asmsg Share on X

 

Get Effrosyni’s FREE books with your signup to her bimonthly newsletter! Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

NEW! A historical paranormal romance box set. This is the timeless love story that will stay with you forever. Set in Moraitika, Corfu and Brighton, England. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HEvMPG
Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
 
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu!

 

For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.

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Cabbage yumminess and a bunch of FREE books!

Hi, All! Today I am sharing the Greek recipe for Lahanorizo – which is Greek cabbage stew. Scroll all the way down for the link to my latest newsletter for a plethora of FREE kindle books for all!

Two mouth-watering ways to enjoy cabbage, Greek-style!

“Lahanorizo” is Greek cabbage stew with rice. You can enjoy it in so many ways! I’ve served it with fries, omelettes, pastries, and even with burgers or fried meatballs. Or, you can just enjoy it with a chunk of feta cheese, olives, and some fresh crusty bread.

The lemony tang will delight your palate no end! 

GO HERE FOR THE RECIPE! I am also sharing the details on how to make Greek cabbage salad. Cabbage ‘loves’ fresh lemon juice and both the stew and the salad use lashings of it!

CHECK OUT MY LATEST NEWSLETTER FOR A LOAD OF FREE KINDLE BOOKS. ENJOY!

 

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

FREE books and Greek cabbage stew #kindlebooks #freebies #authorlife Share on X

 

Get Effrosyni’s FREE books with your signup to her bimonthly newsletter! Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

 

Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
 
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu!

 

For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.

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FREE books, a cool sea breeze, and yummy tzatziki sauce

Hi All! Today, I am pleased to share the latest fun news from my life in Greece! Scroll all the way down for the link! You’re going to love my homemade tzatziki dip recipe! But first, to share my current best offer. My new book is FREE on Amazon till Monday!

“The author really paints a wonderful, vivid picture of Corfu. I felt as though I was there, could feel the sun and the atmosphere of this stunning Greek village.” ~Novelkicks.co.uk

“Through her characters, the author shows her love of Greece and her respect for traditions and family. It makes me want to visit Greece.” ~MMC, Amazon US reviewer

“Effrosyni has a style of writing that just leads you onwards, so you want to carry on reading, no matter what the time of night.” ~Ade G., Amazon UK reviewer

“Another great read from Effrosyni, it takes you straight to Greece. Such an enthralling read that I couldn’t put down until the finish, which I find with each if her books.” ~Lesley Willsher, Amazon UK reviewer

GRAB THE FREEBIE ON AMAZON!

 

CHECK OUT MY LATEST NEWSLETTER FOR A LOAD OF FREE KINDLE BOOKS AND FUN NEWS FROM MY LIFE IN GREECE! IT’LL ALL MAKE YOU SMILE FASTER THAN YOU CAN SAY ‘SPANAKOPITTA ME TIRI!’ OR SHOULD I SAY ‘TZATZIKI’? YUM! MY RECIPE IS UNMISSABLE! GO HERE AND ENJOY!

 

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

FREE books, and fun news from a Greek author #summertime #freebies #mustread Share on X

 

Get Effrosyni’s FREE books with your signup to her bimonthly newsletter! Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

 

Clean romance short read, FREE with Kindle Unlimited. It’ll transport you straight to Corfu to experience summer in an idyllic Greek seaside village. Visit Amazon: https://bit.ly/3pAP3rf

 

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu! For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.

 

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Vasilopita, the Greek New Year cake with the hidden coin

Greek custom dictates that every family cut a Vasilopita on New Year’s Eve, which is a traditional cake with a hidden coin inside. The person who finds the coin in their piece will have good luck all year! The word ‘Vasilopita’ originates from Agios Vasileios (St Basil). It literally means ‘Basil pie’. The Greek Santa is Agios Vasileios, not St Nick. The legend of him bringing gifts started like this…

When Agios Vasileios was the bishop of Caesarea in Asia Minor, a ruthless tyrant and his army threatened all people of Caesaria to hand over their gold or perish. St Basil was forced to ask the poor city folk to bring to him their meagre gold possessions. According to legend, a miracle rid the city of the tyrant in the end so the gold was never handed over to him. When St Basil was presented with the task to return all the gold to the people, he decided to send to every household a little bread, each of which contained one golden coin or item of jewellery picked randomly. This is how the custom of the Vasilopita started!

Traditionally, the father or the mother of the house cuts the cake, naming names as they cut… First, they cut a piece for Christ, a second one for the Virgin Mary, another for the house, which they set aside. And only then do they start naming each person of the household as they cut. This way, if the coin is found during cutting, they know who it belongs to. If the coin is found in one of the first three pieces, it is placed in the corner of the house where the family keeps their icons, for good luck. In Greek homes, this corner is often found in the parents’ (or the couple’s) bedroom.

In my humble opinion, everyone who participates in this custom is a winner… There’s plenty of laughter to be had and a strange excitement blossoms in every home during this process, as if the coin is real – a coveted piece of gold…

Why don’t you have a go to see who wins the coin in your home this year? There’s plenty of time still! In Greece, Vasilopita cakes are baked and cut for good luck all the way till the end of January.

Here’s my recipe. Enjoy!

 

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY… SHARING IS CARING! Tweet this to spread some love:

Vasilopita, the Greek New Year cake with the hidden coin! #holidayseason #desserts #Greece Share on X

Limited time offer! Get The Boy on the Bridge for FREE, along with the short story collection, Facets of Love, with your sign up to Effrosyni’s newsletter. Fun news from her life in Greece and a load of FREE kindle books in every issue! http://bit.ly/2yA74No

Kelly ran a marathon and wound up running a house. With a ghost in it! Both humorous and moving, with delightful sweet romance, it’s just the ticket to lose yourself reading! Read more on Amazon
Summer love and a mysterious haunting in Corfu! Effrosyni’s debut romance, The Ebb, has received an award from Amazon! Check it out here

Beach fun and sweet romance mixed with magic spells and bird shifters… The Raven Witch of Corfu is an original story that will rivet you with its unrelenting suspense. The final twist will blow your mind!
Available in paperback , box set or 4 kindle episodes!
Planning to visit Greece? Check out our FREE guide to south Corfu! For delicious Greek recipes, go here. Are you an author? Check out our FREE promo tips & resources here.