My family, heritage, peace of mind: Cooking

Getting the lamb ready for Greek Orthodox Easter 

I didn't always find cooking so fantastic and relaxing. I found it to be rather stressful, tiring and frustrating when something didn't turn out right. In order to somehow redeem my dish, I would (excuse my French) add a shit ton of spices and call it a day. Can you say bon appetite?

However, as I'm getting older, I'm realizing how important it is to know how to cook. I have worked at restaurants and cafes and I'm astonished by how many people do not know how to cook and have no desire in learning the art. Let's be real, it is an art, and an awesome one at that!

Mom's dolmathes

When my sister and I were growing up, we rarely ever went out for dinner. My Father worked full-time as a logger/log-broker, and my Mother worked two full-time jobs as a para during the school year, and cooking, maintaining the household and caring for us. I didn't realize until I worked in the food industry how much of a rarity that is today, and how people are impressed when you cook. However, I do see a trend among friends becoming more interested in cooking and good food in general. Iparxei akoma elpida -- There is still hope!

My Yiayia and I dancing a traditional Greek dance, the zeibekiko

Cooking brings me back in touch with my Hellenic roots and reminds me of the aromas of my Yiayia's house, Easter and summer celebrations where the lamb would be roasting on the spit. The smell of olive oil, garlic, lemon and rigani (oregano) filling the air while relatives would be enjoying a glass of red wine or a shot of metaxa, listening to bouzouki. There are memories ingrained in this cuisine and these recipes. I want them to carry on and be handed down to the next generation. They are a part of my family's legacy and it is an honor to cook these recipes and have learned from the best of the best. 

A lot of babbling right now, but I promise within the next few days I will have my first recipe posted. I will be sharing Greek recipes from my Father's side but also some recipes I have found along the way from friends and of course, the dear Internet. I want to share with people that it really is easy to cook and that you don't have to be afraid.

The family with Pappou around the spit

So without further ado: Καλώς Ορίσατε στη Κουζίνα μου! Welcome to my kitchen!