Who am I?
My name is Karen, Mom, Thea, Bunch (my husband’s reply to Honey), Mama Soula to my daughter’s friends and Mama G. to my son’s friends. I bake and cook for family, friends; when they ask, when they don’t and when I am avoiding housework.
The “Karen” Side:
I love sweets. I love music. I love to bake while listening to music. Of course doing both those things while enjoying a glass of wine…that’s my Happy Place.
The “Kouzina” (Greek for Kitchen) Side:
I did not know how to cook when I met my husband at the age of 19. He was born and raised in Greece and was used to home cooked delicious meals. So naturally when I started to learn to cook, I started with Greek food. Having been born and raised in Boston, I had never even tasted Greek food when I started cooking it, so his criticisms were welcome. There were many, many criticisms, comments and after 28 years, they are not always as welcome.
Purpose:
I want to create a place to share my food experiences with those of you who I am grateful to that have stopped by to check out this blog. Baking is first in my mind and I will share my recipes (tried and true, old and new). I am hopeful that you will find the Greek recipes convenient and manageable, whether you are a seasoned home cook looking for a meal to add to your menu rotation, or looking for something Greek to enjoy other than Greek Yogurt, (which is in absolutely everything these days for which I have no explanation).
Credentials:
Am I the best cook ever? Nope. I like to say my talent is knowing how to read a recipe and follow directions. The directions really matter. I will be as specific as possible and will be mindful to provide adequate substitutions for any ingredients in the Greek recipes. With more than a few Easter celebrations and countless family dinners behind me, I think I can also offer a few make ahead, time saving measures your way.
FAQ’s:
Did you use a Greek cookbook when you first started?
My roommate at the time bought me a Greek cookbook (no pictures), that I still use to this day. It is written in, drawn over with crayon and splashed on. It also has only half a binder left, but it was a place to start.
Have you tried all the re-posted recipes on your blog?
Every recipe I post will be tried and deliciously true.
Will all the recipes be Greek?
No. Not at all. I grew up with roast beef Sunday family dinners, pies, pot pies and the like. There will be many shout outs to meals centered around Football, BBQ’s and American holidays.