We are right in the middle of Greek Carnival Season known as Apokries. Greek street foods are, of course, a big part of the celebrations. So this week I wanted to feature one of my favorite Greek appetizers, Kolokithokeftedes. Ok, that may seem Greek to you, but really, they are just delicious deep fried zucchini balls paired here with a fantastic dipping sauce, and pronouncing the word correctly is not part of the recipe, so don’t worry about a thing! (For the record, it’s pronounced Kolo-Keetho- Kef-ted-es.) You’ll love the crunch and the fabulous flavor combination of zucchini, cheese, onion, garlic and a hint of white truffle oil, made even more delicious by dipping them in a zesty red sauce. There’s only one more thing to say about this delightful Mediterranean treat, “Nostimótatos!” ( Delicious!)
vegetable oil for frying
Bloomin’ Dessert Flowers
Move over Beignets. Move over Fritters. Move over Donut Holes. Welcome to the prettiest, tastiest bite-sized deep fried dessert treat that will wow anyone who sets their eyes on them! This recipe was such a surprise! As a matter of fact, I ran across it a while back on a YouTube video about old heritage recipes. The narration was all in Turkish, and so it took me hours to try to translate the ingredients and directions. But I knew the minute I saw it I had to make them! I’m so happy I did, and even happier to share this Turkish delight with you! Have fun with this recipe and enjoy the sweet taste of these billowy, crispy, light and airy Bloomin’ Dessert Flowers!
Apple Galettes with Candied Walnuts
Looking for a “go-to” dessert recipe? You can’t go wrong with this delicious combination of apple pastry, candied walnuts, a drizzle of homemade balsamic reduction served with vanilla ice cream. It’s a scrumptious culinary puzzle that fits perfectly together! Make it once, and you’ll go to it time and time again, guaranteed!
Momma’s Risotto
My quest for Rescued Recipes this week led me back to my own Italian roots. From my mother, born and raised in Venice, Italy, I learned how to prepare the quintessential one pot Italian wonder, Risotto. If you’re lucky enough to have left-over’s, you might try Arancini, delicious deep fried risotto rice balls with a melted cheese filling, a very popular street food of Sicily where my father’s side of the family is from. So from the canals of Venice to the southernmost “tip of the boot”, Sicily, I hope you enjoy two of my favorite family heirloom recipes that are without question, delicioso!
Watch my How to Video for Risotto here!
Asian Chicken Salad
I rarely throw out old cookbooks. On the contrary, the older and more well-worn they are, the better. But recently, I had to toss out a cookbook that I found at a garage sale only because it had completely fallen apart at the seams. It was from 1964 and simply called “Delicious Asian Recipes.” This tattered little book served its purpose though. Out of it came two of my favorite dressings. Both go splendidly with a refreshing and healthful chicken salad that’s perfect for spring and summer!
