Anastasia

Monday's Greek Recipe: Prasopita me Kima - Leek Pie with Mince Meat

Not long ago, I posted the traditional Greek leek pie recipe which basically consists of leeks, feta cheese and onions. Here's a variation on the same theme - leek pie with mince meat for the meat lovers.

Ingredients

• 10 pastry (fyllo) sheets
• 6-7 leeks
• 4 eggs (beaten)
• 400 gr beef mince meat
• 1/4 cup of dry, white. wine
• 1 cup grated kefalotyri (or patmesan) cheese
• 1 cup feta cheese mashed with a fork
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper
• just a little nut meg

Directions

1. Cut the white part of the leeks in rings and boil them for about 6 minutes. Then drain.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the mince meat for 5-6 minutes till golden brown.

3. Add the leeks and sauté for a further 6-7 minutes.

4. Add the wine and  simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat. Season with pepper and just a little salt since the cheeses are quite salty. Then add the nut meg.

5. When the filling is cold enough, add the eggs, the breadcrumbs and the cheeses and stir to mix.

6. Brush the bottom and sides of a pan with olive oil and line it with half the sheets of "fyllo" pastry brushing each one with some olive oil.

7. Spread the filling evenly and cover with the remaining sheets of "fyllo" pastry, brushing each one with some olive oil. With a sharp knife carve in pieces.

8. Bake the pie in a medium oven for about 45 minutes or till golden brown

Tip: Served piping hot with a side salad, this pie can make a great main course for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it with a glass of Chateau Lazarides.

Note: I used fresh anari or mizithra cheese instead of kefalotyri or parmesan. It's much healthier and just as tasty.

Photos by Anastasia Marou

Plaka - Neighbourhood of the Gods

When in Athens, one of my most favourite places to visit is the area of Plaka. Only a short walk away from the buzzing city centre, Plaka is a haven of peace amid the usual hustle and bustle of the city.Winding roads, neoclassical mansions, houses with red-tile roofs, balconies with bougaivileas, jasmin or geraniums compose "the neighbourhood of the gods" dominated by the Acropolis - the sacred rock that makes us Greeks so very proud of our illustrious ancestors and our greek heritage - the most advanced civilization the world has ever known..

The Parthenon

It's no wonder Plaka  takes pride of place in the Greeks' hearts, especially in the hearts of the older Athenians who would have a glass of Retsina in one of the typical Plaka tavernas. In those days, every taverna had  a guitarist playing old Greek songs such as the old Plaka "kantades". Later in the 60s, Plaka became the birthplace of the Greek "new wave" music inspired by the mainstream of the 60s in Italy and France. Many famous Greek artists first performed in one of those clubs, called "boites". What's more, one of the most well-known Greek films - Stella starring Melina Mercouri - was filmed at Plaka.

Plaka

It was under the ministry of Melina Mercouri, in the 70s, that Plaka, which had turned into a night life spot, was upgraded nd declared a solely pedestrian area. All the nightlife havoc moved to the areas of Psiri and Thisio. Thanks to Melina, Plaka found its real identity as the "neighbourhood of the gods." even though it has now become a main tourist attraction. Yet, Plaka hasn't been spoilt by tourism. It still preserves the aura of the past in the modern city of Athens.

Is there a special place you really enjoy visiting?

Photos by Anastasia Marou

Clever Definitions for Familiar Words

This is what I got in my inbox yesterday and had such a good laugh that I thought I'd share it with you. It was sent to me by my friend Walid who I'd like to thank for brightening up my day.

These fit so well they should be in a dictionary.
 
ADULT
A person who has stopped growing at both ends
And is now growing in the middle.

BEAUTY PARLOR
A place where women curl up and dye.
 

CHICKENS
The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead.

COMMITTEE
A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

DUST
Mud with the juice squeezed out.

EGOTIST
Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation.

HANDKERCHIEF
Cold Storage.

INFLATION
Cutting money in half without damaging the paper.

MOSQUITO
An insect that makes you like flies better.

RAISIN
A grape with a sunburn.

SECRET
Something you tell to one person at a time.

SKELETON
A bunch of bones with the person scraped off.

TOOTHACHE
The pain that drives you to extraction.

TOMORROW
One of the greatest labor saving devices of today.

YAWN
An honest opinion openly expressed.

WRINKLES
Something other people have,
Similar to my character lines

Guilty Pleasures

As promised a couple of weeks ago, here is the complete list of my 7 deadly, guilty pleasures:

7. Occasionally reading the Cyprus edition of Madame Figaro

6. Saving 30 euros a month to purchase these divine Dior boots....hopefully before I turn 60!

5. Strawberry bavaroise!!!!! My most favourite spring dessert....I'd rather not think of the number of calories per 50 gr.

4. Watching silly shows like Greek Idol if I'm home on Saturday night. I think Panayiotis will be the Next Greek Idol and yes, I am sad Keren was eliminated.

3. Working long hours and not having much time to spend with my family in Nicosia.  But I always make up for it on school holidays.

2. Espressos! Although I have cut down on coffee, I guiltily enjoy 3 espressos a day with some Thornton or Cadbury chocolate.

1. Smoking! (and please don't preach!)

Here you go now! Any guilty pleasures?

End of School Year: Let Prom Start

End of May calls for school celebrations all over the island of Cyprus. High school graduates, in particular, are preparing for their final exams, looking  forward to adulthood and a promising future career but also to proms soon after exams are over. For most high school graduates it's a special night they've been  looking forward to for months beforehand. It seems that proms are also popular amongst  elementary school graduates who can't wait to start high school in September.

Proms nowadays have become much more liberal than they were in the past.  It's not really important to have a date or to be asked by the "perfect guy". More and more girls are choosing their own dates for the prom and more and more boys are going with a group of friends. Yet prom is still the main social event of high school graduates, but it is also a time for fun and the creation of memories for everyone to enjoy.

What was your prom like?

 

Vegetarians Have Found the Secret of Good Living

I've often considered turning green for the following reasons:

1. I seldom eat red meat. Actually, the only meat I really love is chicken.

2. As most of you know, I have a strong opinion against animals being killed for our dinner table. Animals who die for our dinner table die alone, in great suffering.

3. The world's fresh water shortage is made even worse because of animal farming.

4. Most food poisoning is caused by the consumption of meat not vegetables.

5. Meat does not contain any proteins, vitamines or minerals that the human body cannot take from other sources such as legumes - beans, chick-peas, lentils in addition to our green beans, okra, peas or spinach cooked in olive oil and tomato sauce.

6. Many forests are being destroyed in order to clear ground to graze cattle.

However, I'm a fish lover! I may give up poultry but I can't live without fish. I know that some vegetarians - not to be confused with vegans - eat fish. So, if I'm ever going to be a vegetarian, I'll be a pesce-vegetarian.

I love fresh red mullet. I got this one out of a fisherman's net.

Work and Leisure

All work and no play may make Jack a dull boy but it certainly doesn't make me a dull girl! I've often shared my thoughts about my work and how much I enjoy working with children even though they are occasionally trying my patience!  It's that time of year again when work is more important than leisure as school exams are round the corner. The IGCSE Reading and Writing exam was last Thursday, the Listening test is next Friday followed by final exams at my school, FCE on June 4 and Pitman for Young Learners in mid June- enough to keep me busy at work for the next four weeks or so.

However, in my busy weekly schedule I have made room for some time online - mostly at the weekend - and some time spent outdoors on Sundays. I sometimes wish I lived in a small village where I could enjoy nature and the great outdoors every single day of the week.  What relaxes me most after a long day at work is spending some time listening to Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No2. I could listen to that hours on end.without getting bored.

 

Apart from Rachmaninoff, I also relax listening to Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel:

When you are weary feeling small

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all

I'm on your side. When times get rough

And friends just can't be found

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

 

Have you ever heard this song? It's been one of my favourites since I was 16! Working long hours doesn't always allow me to indulge in leisure activities, yet it is not work that kills but worry. Working hard won't kill you but worrying too much is bad for the health! Well, at least, I only worry a little.

How do you relax after a long day at work?

Mothers and Daughters

My mother and I don't always get along very well. More often than not, it seems that one of us is saying the wrong thing, presses the wrong buttons and, as a result, our conversations tend to be quite explosive! Yet, in our heart of hearts, we know that we love each other dearly. I always felt, though, that my dad could understand me more than any other person in the world - this is probably why I'll never get over his sudden death eight years ago.

With my mum - Nicosia, September 1958

I've often had a rather strained relationship with my mother. She'd criticise almost everything - my hair, my clothes, my friends, my behaviour or attitude, my opinion on various issues, the way I decorate my flat, my flat in general - the list is endless! I strongly felt being under scrutiny and, as a result, I avoided sharing my secrets or troubles with her. On the other hand, I admit to my flaws. I'm kind of blunt and always speak my mind because I'd rather say something to somebody's face than behind their back. In other words, I'm not diplomatic! Our relationship improved a lot when I decided to see things from her point of view.

My mum - Christmas Eve 2004

I felt I could understand her better and eventually realised how much she cared and how wrong I was to pick on her. By appreciating the positive side of her character, I was able to connect with her and communicate much better. For example, she never meddled in my life, never made any comments whatsoever. On the contrary, she was a pattern of discretion. My mum is the sweetest and kindest person I've ever known. Despite her occasional criticisms, she's always been there for me offering her support in times of hardship and sharing my happiness in times of joy. Now I know that she's done an excellent job and I'll be forever thankful for all the sacrifices she's made for me and my brother.

On a summer holiday with my mother - August 2005

All day today, I had in mind to post something about my mother and, in the first place, I considered reblogging my post from last year. Finally, I realised that I had a lot more to say about the most wonderful mum in the world!

10 Blogs I Love To Read

Reading other people's blogs has not only helped me to improve my own blog but, most importantly, to broaden my horizons by learning about other cultures or simply adding to my knowledge of things. Here are a few of my favourite blogs which I really enjoy reading regularly. I hope that you will also love them as much as I have.

1. Agnes' Pages

From the very first moment I started reading Agnes' Pages, I was hooked on her blog. Agnes has a unique way to master words and attract her readers' interest.

2. Blind Pig & The Acorn

Before I came across Tiper's blog, all I knew about the Appalachians was that they are mountains in the eastern USA. Thanks to Tiper, I've learned a lot about her wonderful Appalachian heritage.

3. Bobbin Talk

If you love fashion, have a look at Aneta's blog. Simply brilliant!

4. Gal Friday

Although I was absent from Tina's blog for quite some time because of my heavy schedule at work and my many obligations, it's always one of my most favourite places to visit in the blogosphre. It's enough to read one of her posts to feel like being part of her beautiful world.

5. God of War Diaries

Whenever Kofla writes in English, I always stop by. I love his thought-provoking posts on a variety of social or political issues.

6. I love I hate America

Impossible to get bored when reading Bing's blog. Bing has admirably managed to reconcile two completely different cultures.

7. Mary Ames Hill

I was delighted to see my great friend Mary back to blogging. Her inspirational posts are like a haven of peace where I can sit back and enjoy her great content. I've learned so much from Mary - how to become a better person, in particular.

8. My Blog

Constantinos' blog is filled with his own personal experience of things in different circumstances and situations and his valuable, inspirational thoughts. I also feel very honured  honored to be a contributor and hope that Constantinos will eventually update his blog soon.

9. Taxidiaris

"Taxidiaris" in Greek is used to describe someone who enjoys travelling. Phivos' exceptional blog, in both Greek and English, is all about travelling around the world and also constitutes an excellent source of cultural information in addition to the truly amazing photos.

10. The World Around Us

Stefania's blog mostly consists of interesting articles, photos and videos relating to the world around us - a valuable source of information. 

Personal Blogging Vs Niche Blogging And 13 Blog Post Topic Ideas

When I started out on TypePad almost seven years ago, I wasn't sure what a blog was. I had previously read an article on blogging in a British magazine at my hairdresser's and thought I'd give it a try. I googled "blogging platforms" and eventually chose TypePad as it seemed to me the most reliable one. So, I set up my TypePad account in September 2004 - that was very easy to do, even for a computer illiterate like me! "And now what?", I asked myself. I clicked Compose and started writing about my day. To my mind, a blog was something like an online journal which you share with the world.

A few months later, having done some online and offline reading, I realised that blogging was far beyond that. Experts on blogging still recommend choosing a niche. I decided to keep my personal blog as my default blog but, in the course of time, I created three niche blogs: Cypria which is all about information on holidays in Greece and the Greek islands, English Today - a free online course of English as a second language and quite recently My Photo Blog - a collection of my favourite photos. According to experts, a personal blog isn't very popular with search engines unlike niche blogs. Funnily enough, my personal blog is much more popular than my niche blogs - although, I must admit that I have occasionally departed from my niche.

Not having a niche, on the other hand, may often lead to a blank computer screen  and you can't think of a word to write. I admire bloggers who claim their problem is quite the opposite - they generate a horde of ideas and always have something to write about. However, I've often hit a dry spell and found it relatively hard to break through a blank computer screen. So, I decided to carry a small notebook in which I jot down things that I find interesting while sitting at a café or waiting for my turn in a queue. More often than not, when I'm short of ideas, I click Compose and start writing straight from the heart. This is the greatest priviledge of personal blogging, isn't it?

Just in case you blog and get stuck at times , here are a few suggestions. You are very welcome to complete the list with your own ideas:

1. Create specific, step-by-step how-to posts (like how to use Windows 7, Facebook or Twitter)

2. Create a beginner’s guide to something - e,g, how to start a blog or how to make pomegranate jam

3. Write a Things You Don’t Know About Me post

4.  Write about your home and family first thing on Monday morning.

5. Write about something funny you overheard in public.

6. Describe what you consider to be the ideal way to bring up children.

7. Write a post about a dear friend.

8. Write about your first blog post.

9 Write about something amazing or frightening that happened to you.

10. Introduce your friends from a social network

11. Write about a typical day in the year 2099.

12. Write about a day that went disastrously wrong!

13. Write about the person you admire most in life.