July 26, 2006

A Greek-y Entry

I've always been oblivious about all things Greek as a child. Back home, I doubt I've ever spotted an authentic Greek restaurant/food store amongst the array of different "food-cultures" we're exposed to in Malaysia. Having the chance to experiment with new ingredients and recipes from Greek cuisine in my own Sydney kitchen has made it less of a mystery the past couple of years. I've acquainted myself and our happy household with a few "Greek-ish" dishes which I painlessly scouted around for. I personally feel my obsession with Greek food began with my girlfriends and I eye-ing too many hot Greeks in Sydney! *laughs*- I shall stop there . . . .. *grin* LOL
Here's an afternoon of Greek Food at our very "Malaysian" home;
Greek Pie
2 Lebanese zucchinis sliced and salted 30 minutes in advance (Rinse in cold water and drain well before using) 1 leek; finely chopped and pan fried till soft in some olive oil
180g Greek Feta cheese
180g ricotta cheese
3 tbsp flour
1/4 cup thyme leaves chopped
1/4 cup mint leaves chopped
4 eggs beaten
Add everything in a bowl and toss with salt and pepper to season.
8 slices prosciutto
Grease a cake tin and line the base and sides with prosciutto allow 1-2 cm of overhang around the edges. Pour mixture into the center and fold over prosciutto over the top. Bake for 30-45 minutes until firm in preheated 180 degree oven. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pastitso- A Greek version of lasagne made with a meat sauce flavoured with cinnamon and nutmeg.
*the recipe is EXTREMELY long....and I'm in a hurry; so I'll just slot in a quick photo. (And NO; it isn't because I'm being lazy! LOL)

Here's a shorter recipe for Greek salad instead *wink*.
Toss chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and lettuce leaves in a large bowl.
Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic chopped
fresh chopped oregano
salt and pepper
*I don't have a photo of the salad; didn't make vege's that afternoon *guilty* Haha!
I'm sure those who love Greek food are wondering why "Lamb" isn't on my Greek-y menu! *laughs*....erm...*shrug?*

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Suyin! Thanks for dropping by my site. I'm so happy you enjoy my work. I'm a big fan of Greek food and my Hubby and I are always on the hunt for good Greek food. I'd love to try this out.

Thanks a lot!

Anonymous said...

yIN TRY THIS WONDERFUL ORANGE SCONE. I MADE THEM FOR YOU BEFORE SERVED WITH BERRIES AND CREAM.

SCONES
2cups sifted flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
5 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter,chilled and cut into pieces.
1 extra large egg
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp orange zest

6to8cups fresh berries washed and dried
1/4 cup granulated sugar ,depending upon the sweetness of the berries
1 to 1 1/2cups of whipping cream ,whipped and slightly sweeten with 2 tsp of sugar

METHOD
Preheat oven 425*F
Lightly grease a baking tray and set aside.
In a small bowl,stir toghter the flour,baking powder,salt and sugar.Using your fingertips rubber in the butter into the dry ingred. until it resembles coarse cornmeal.
In a small bowl,combine the egg and cream and add to the flour mixture.Mix until just blended toghter
Turn out the batter onto a lightly floured board and knead for 1 minute. Roll dough into a rectangle approx.4" by 8"
Brush the dough with the melted butter
Sprinkle with the sugar and orange zest.Roll up jelly-roll fashion and seal the the long seam by pinching it lightly with your fingers.
Cut the roll into 8 one inch thick slices.Put them on the tray and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Sliced strawberries and other small berries into a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Refrigerate for 1 hour to 2.
TO SERVE

HEAP SPOONFULS OF BERRIES OVER THE SCONE AND TOP WITH FRESHLY WHIPPED CREAM. DONNOT EVEN THINK OF THE CALORIES HAHA

Anonymous said...

Hii!
I absolutely love your blog!
The recipes are so diverse and I can't help but wonder how you came to learn how to decorate those lovely cakes.
Could you suggest any helpful books or websites for the novice baker?

BTW, your blueberry cupcakes were featured on another blog a few days ago...

http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/

Su-Yin -Décorateur said...

Hey Noufa! Nice to hear from you...I'm glad you enjoy my daily food post ups! Thanks for the compliments...im overwhelmed...hehe..
Here's my favourite cake browsing website...I can often spend HOURS there...it's probably the best place to start teaching yourself cake decorating....It was what inspired me!
www.cakecentral.com
Good luck!
Ps: thanks for the link!

Lex said...

hey suyin, got any chocolate shouffle recipes? and also lasagna?

Su-Yin -Décorateur said...

havnt made any of those lately...but when I do, i'll type them up :)