Beer, bacon & fennel seed bread

in Savoury, Taste -

In celebration of baking, picnics and all things summer, a beer, bacon & fennel seed bread I’ve been in love with for quite some time now.

beer-bacon-fennel-seed-bread

In my mind, I love baking; going through my fridge and cupboards, flipping through recipes or eyeing fresh produce of the season. Then slowly, sometimes reluctantly, others barely containing my self, forming a plan; it is often in the form of a challenge, but mostly I’m a slave to my own appetites and even more so to the people I have in mind when baking. I made these cookies for a friend leaving London for Portugal via Berlin and five different cakes for another friend’s birthday. There needs to be a reason, even if it’s just an overwhelming desire for pie or the juiciest tomatoes I could get my hands on. [READ MORE]

Summer potato salad with bresaola, tomatoes, radishes & avocado

in Savoury, Taste -

A summer potato salad with bresaola, tomatoes, radishes & avocado, which is as beautiful, simple, refreshing and filling as it gets. 

Summer potato salad with bresaola, tomatoes, radishes & avocado

When we were wee bit babies, our mom had an array of nicknames for us; amongst my favourites were ‘little potato chip’, for me, and ‘little shrimp’ for my sister. We were quite similar for sure, as identical twins can be, yet also quite different, as much as siblings usually are. I was the rounder one- hence the little potato monicker, which I always loved- even when I didn’t like my chubbiness, even when I decided I didn’t care much for potatoes. [READ MORE]

Damn fine cherry pie

in Desserts, Taste -

Buttery and crumbly on the outside, juicy, red and perfectly sweet on the inside- a damn summery, damn fine cherry pie indeed!  Damn fine cherry pie Pies with buttery, sugary crusts bursting with fruity, juicy fillings are amongst the things I most love to make; there is a bit of challenge to them, which is always a good thing, while also welcoming experimentation with so many different ingredients and flavours. Apples and pears are impossible to resist in gloomy, rainy, autumn days and cherries are a gift that keeps on giving in the summer. For this damn fine cherry pie, I have worked with Madame Gâteaux– she is not only amongst the people I most love to be with, she’s also my baking fairy godmother. She’s taught me every decent thing I know about baking- and without cringing even once at my questions, comments and suggestions. Without further ado, here’s her tips and secrets for the best damn fine cherry pie you’ve ever had in your life!

* find the original recipe, inspired by the insanely cool Twin Peaks, here. [READ MORE]

Fresh pea, watercress & egg tart

in Savoury, Taste -

Celebrating Father’s Day with a very crunchy and very green fresh pea, watercress & egg tart. Easy, quick, pretty and perfect for all handsome men out there. 

Fresh pea, watercress & egg tart

Father’s Day always comes at one of my favourite times of the year: it’s early summer, the weather is usually, hopefully, enticingly warm in the mornings and perfectly cool at night; work is slowly winding down and summer plans are slowly, or frantically, unfolding. And amongst all that, there’s this day and the additional charm it brings with it to celebrate. [READ MORE]

Greek mezze platter

in Inspiration, Small bites, Taste -

This Greek mezze platter features some of my favourites from Oliveology: extra virgin olive oil, delicious cheeses, crunchy olives & thick grape molasses. 

Greek mezze platter

I discovered Oliveology a little over a year ago- yet I knew of it. I’d heard stories from friends, Greek and foreigners alike- delicious stories about superb products, which increased homesickness for the former and filled the latter with a sudden urge to visit Greece. I met Marianna, the sweet and mighty owner and creative force behind the brand, randomly at a food event and subsequently discovered what all the fuss was about. Everything I’ve tried from Oliveology is simply very very good. [READ MORE]

Spicy avocado cocoa mousse

in Desserts -

One of my favourite chocolate desserts, this spicy avocado cocoa mousse is everything: delicately sweet, smooth and lightly spiced up with pink peppercorns. 

Spicy avocado cocoa mousse

Sharing this mousse was somewhat of an aftermath; the initial plan was much different and included an abundance of sweet and savoury Greek gems, all from Oliveology, on of my favourite Borough Market stores. And then things happened and plans changed- much more than plans changed actually. And  for a few days, I was not up for much. [READ MORE]

Food for thought

in Inspiration -

Friday food for thought with two of my favourites (Christie & Lynch), a fine soup, a scary quiz and the beauty of plates.

food for thought

Happy June, everyone! Summer is officially here and I am once again reminded why I’m so smitten with it: at the moment, I am merely relishing the anticipation of summery things to come (barely there clothes, fruit and vegetable- filled meals, the sea! the mountains!), while taking in the more or less beautiful London weather through lots of impromptu walks and drinks al fresco. This weekend will be shared with friends over a bbq, a cherry pie and- possibly, hopefully- the first homemade ice cream of the season. Have a good one y’all! [READ MORE]

Peanut butter & pretzel brownies

in Desserts, Taste -

Dangerously easy to make and filled with all sorts of deliciousness, these peanut butter & pretzel brownies are too good to skip.

Peanut butter & pretzel brownies

I have no idea what’s gotten into me; I should be making salads with every crunchy vegetable under this very bright, long overdue, sun; I should be, at least, starting experimenting with this summer’s ice cream flavours. Instead, I’m knee deep in baking: I’ve made brownies a couple times, a very naughty banana bread and a mighty galaktoboureko (a custard pie with filo pastry and a whole lotta butter & syrup). And now, it’s on to cherry pies with all the butter I can get my hands on and all flavour and prettiness I can muster- but more on them pies soon. For now, it’s all about brownies. [READ MORE]

Food for thought

in Inspiration -

A bittersweet food for thought: filled with summer vibes and dishes, travel and attire inspiration and the always perfect David Bowie.

Food for thought

Τhis week has been filled with intense bittersweetness: there’s sunshine and early summer beauty all around; my sister and friends are in town- which is always makes me very happy, very hungry and a little bit louder than usual. And then there’s also the complete opposite, which however, I’d like to believe, makes us stronger, more empathetic, and more caring for each other. Here’s to a weekend filled with bright skies and bright thoughts. [READ MORE]

Halloumi, avocado & red pepper sandwich

in Savoury, Small bites, Taste -

Made with some of my favourite ingredients, this halloumi, avocado & red pepper sandwich is fresh, delicious and filled with colours and textures!

Halloumi, avocado & red pepper sandwich

Just the promise of sunshine and warm weather suffices; it fills me with a child-like anticipation and a strange kind of energy, waking up at the crack of dawn, impatient for the glorious days ahead. And now that it’s here- sunshine, and summer weather- I can’t contain myself. The house is too small and the floor is too sturdy for my dancing feet. There’s far too many things to celebrate. [READ MORE]