Georgina Hayden

Feeding since 1982

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Greek Kourabiethes

04.12.2015 by georgie // 4 Comments

Xristos anesti! Today is Orthodox Easter, the biggest celebration in the Greek Orthodox church, and my favourite time of year – there really is nothing like it for for epic feasting. Last week we started preparations by baking about 25 flaounes (yiayia needed to do a test batch with a new starter her friend had given her), and this week she made 100 more. I’ve been baking today and I can guarantee she’ll have made a million biscuits too. And of course there are the daily church services (I did all the 5am ones one year, killer).

The last few weeks have been a bit mad, hence the lack of recipe writing and posting – I’ve really missed it. I’m back at work a bit more, been doing more in the kitchen, there have been a lot of appointments and a few trips, and for some reason it seems like we’ve gone from 0 – 60 in a short space of time. Also I’m really missing Archie at the moment too, I think specific occasions and days highlight his absence. Don’t take me wrong, I always miss him, but I was having some better days. On the way home from work the other day I become inconsolable as I walked through the (very sunny) park by my house, it was swarmed with families and buggies and the realisation that I shouldn’t be back at work yet and that should be me in the park was like a punch in stomach, face and heart. Some days its manageable, others not so much. But I guess celebrations and holidays you just notice the absence of a loved one that little bit more. Today would’ve been his first Greek Easter.

Kourabiethes and coffee
Kourabiethes and coffee. Photography by Laura Edwards.

So, I’m taking it easy today. Church in the morning, lunch with my wonderful, gorgeous and crazy family and I’m going to eat everything that is put in front of me and just let it all hang out. I will start my Mexico diet on Monday?!

Read more…

Categories // Baking & puddings, Celebration, Greek and Cypriot, Vegan and Vegetarian Tags // Almonds, Baking, Biscuits, Brandy, Cookies, Cyprus, Greek, Orange Blossom, Sweets, Vegetarian, Walnuts

Bergamot, olive oil and semolina cake

03.19.2015 by georgie // 6 Comments

It’s a terrible cliche but certain smells really do transport me straight back to specific times and places, and bergamot is one of those smells. A little scratch of the skin and bang! I’m in the Troodos mountains in Cyprus. My Grandpa’s village uses fresh bergamot to flavour their famous ‘Phini delight’ – their take on Turkish delight. I am obviously terribly biased but it is insanely good and nothing like some of the rubbery rubbish you get. It’s soft and silky and melts in your mouth. And the bergamot flavour is so much more delicate than rose water. Whoever goes over to visit the motherland always brings a load of boxes back and it has to be rationed amongst us. We can’t get enough of the stuff.

 

A very Greek bundt
A very Greek bundt

Unfortunately bergamot isn’t that widely available over here. Most commonly known to us Brits for its presence in Earl Grey tea (and perfumes and candles) the fruit itself can be hard to get hold of. But it’s not impossible, and if you live near a Mediterranean greengrocers or a good farmers market you might be in luck. Unlike oranges, the flesh is too sour to eat straight up, but that makes it perfect for cooking with, and I’ve made one of the best limoncello style liqueurs before with a bag or bergamots and a bottle of gin. I’ve also got a batch of bergamot and orange blossom truffles on the go at the moment, but I’ll have to get back to you on that one (so far so good). Read more…

Categories // Baking & puddings, Cake decorating, Celebration, Greek and Cypriot Tags // Almonds, Baking, Bergamot, Birthday, Cake, Cyprus, Greek, Olive oil, Semolina, Yoghurt

Maple and Caramelised Pancetta Crepe Cake

02.17.2015 by georgie // Leave a Comment

HAPPY PANCAKE DAY!

I’m a big fan of pancake day, of everything it stands for and the pancakes themselves. Shrove Tuesday came about as a way to use up all the fats and dairy before Ash Wednesday, when people would traditionally start their fast for lent. I do try and give up something every year for lent, however last year I was pregnant so it seemed mean and unfair to deprive myself! I knew if I couldn’t have something I’d just crave it more. This year however I do want to give something up. It’s hard as I’m not a huge chocolate eater (obvious choice), or drinker, so I’m not sure what to do. I’ve given up cheese before, that was hard (I should probably do it again). My other weakness is caffeine, so maybe this year I’ll do that, give up coffee for lent?! I feel sorry for Pete… this is going to be worse for him than me I fear. I’ll keep you posted.

Maple and Pancetta Pancake Stack
Maple and Pancetta Pancake Stack

Tonight we have a few friends coming over for pancakes and to be honest I’m keeping it old school. Lemon and sugar, and some savoury cheesy ones (with spinach and ham). However last spring I made this bad boy for a Jamie Magazine feature, and it went down a storm. So if you fancy something a little different this pancake day (or any day) give it a whirl. I promise it won’t disappoint.

Continue for recipe…

Categories // Baking & puddings, Cake decorating, Celebration Tags // Baking, Birthday, Cake, Maple Syrup, Pancake, Pancetta, Sweets

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Georgina is a food writer, stylist and illustrator from North London.
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