Georgina Hayden

Feeding since 1982

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Cyprus! Taverna! What a few months…

07.07.2019 by georgie // Leave a Comment

Lets be honest if there was ever a time when I should have been blogging regularly, it was probably the last few months. So much has been going on! A book, filming stuff, writing… There is a backlog. BUT you’ve all been asking for Cyprus recommendations and I’m aware the summer season is very much upon us so I’m going to start with that. I’ll bombard you with the videos and Taverna chat later. I have to say though, when we go, we’re very much local – eating at our aunts and uncles houses. Staying at my grandparents apartment. I stayed at a hotel there for the first time this year, but hopefully there is some useable stuff in here for you!

TIPS

  • My biggest tip is to hire a car. It’s a small island, and unless you are hell bent on staying by the pool all day the best thing really is to hire a car and explore. All the good, less touristy stuff is inland.
  • If you are there on a weekend ask a local if there is a paniyiri nearby. These are religious festivals, which can take over an entire village. Stalls, food, music – lots of fun and worth seeking.
  • Try the local wine. Cypriot white and rose is GOOD.
  • Drink like a local: frappe! All Cypriots love an ice coffee in the heat. When they ask how you like it, start with half and half (half water/ half milk) and one sugar and go from there.
  • Try the local bakeries. If you are a fan of tahini get a ‘tahinopita’ – a tahini, honey and cinnamon swirl. My achilles heel.
Pistachio tahinopita from Galette bakery

LIMASSOL

Until I grew up and began to drive, Limassol was where I spent most of my time and I have a real soft spot for it. The city isn’t picture postcard like other parts of Cyprus but there has been some real investment going on and it’s really transformed. Also it has a lot of history and I would say is the quirkiest/ least touristy place (which I love). The sea front has an urban promenade, play parks, eateries along the beach and a sparkly new marina which is the current hot area. The old carob mill is just brilliant, the shopping and university areas are very hip – lots of cool coffee shops and graffiti (my favourite part). This is all to the west of the city. The east of the city is all large hotels and can feel a bit unloved. The west of the city definitely has a more vibrant scene.

Limassol promenade
[Read more…]

Categories // Uncategorized Tags // Cyprus, Taverna, Travel

Sweet tahini Easter bread

03.04.2016 by georgie // Leave a Comment


Greek Lent is almost here! I normally just give up one thing (coffee, cheese, chocolate…) but this year I’m going to do it properly, I’m going to basically be vegan for 50 days. OK, so it’s not as straight forward as that, there are some days you can eat fish, and some days you can’t eat olive oil, but I’ll turn to my yiayia for guidance. I still find it quite confusing. Anyway, I’m going to try, and I’ll share my progress with you all and hopefully find and create some exciting recipes in the process

So, the bread. The inspiration for this recipe, tahinopita, is one of my favourite things about Greek Easter. Traditionally eating during times of lent and fasting, you can buy individual ones all year round from Greek and Turkish bakers (or make it yourself of course). But growing up it was always eaten around Easter time, due to its lack of animal products, and I just love it. The soft dough, caramelised crispy edges, and gooey middle (a bit like frangipane)… insanely moreish.

cooked-dough-e1457175594488

Most commonly known for its addition to houmous, savoury dishes and dressings, tahini is brilliant for baking with. Sweetened, like in this recipe, it has a peanut butter vibe, and works wonderfully with honey, maple syrup or brown sugars. (Also a little bit in a smoothie with banana, honey, milk and cinnamon is ridiculously good). The most complicated thing about this recipe is making the bread, which isn’t difficult at all, I promise. The filling and ring part is even easier, and is perfect for a rainy day at home. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Read on for recipe…

Categories // Baking & puddings, Breakfast & brunch, Greek and Cypriot Tags // Baking, Breakfast, Cyprus, Dairy-free, Greek, Sweets, Vegan, Vegetarian

Feast for Archie

05.25.2015 by georgie // 12 Comments

I’m writing this post and feeling quite bleary eyed. Buzzing from the adrenaline of the last few days, emotional because of what it is all for and overwhelmed by how much love is in our hearts. When I first started planning Feast for Archie a few months ago I never dreamed it would end up the way it did, such a momentous and incredible day, and that we would raise over £3000 for two incredible charities (Sands and Tommy’s) just from a supper club! It blows me away and makes me feel pretty tearful that all of this is in memory of our little boy, and that so many people know about him and want to help… It means so much to both of us.

May has been a tough month, and in my head this week was going to be the hardest, and I know it probably still will be, but doing this has definitely helped make a difficult time less so. His legacy lives on and that is all a mother can ask for. So, thank you all, for helping me create a legacy for my baby and for helping these charities do what they do. If you would like to donate, you can still do so here.

Here are some highlights from our wonderful day, with a list of ‘thank you’s’ to everyone who helped! And a recipe for the starter – roasted ricotta with figs and honey roasted walnut kataifi.

 

Tom Calver's beautiful Westcombe ricotta ready for the oven
Tom Calver’s beautiful Westcombe ricotta ready for the oven. On fresh fig leaves, with oregano, lemon and olive oil.

Pete busted me instagramming on the job
Busted instagramming on the job.

The most incredible flowers, donated by the wonderful Rebel Rebel.
The most incredible flowers, donated by the wonderful Rebel Rebel.

The beautiful studio above Fifteen, all set for our supper club and filled with incredible flowers from Rebel Rebel
The tables all set, such a gorgeous space – flowers everywhere! They totally made it.

Continue for more snaps and recipe…

Categories // Events, Greek and Cypriot, Light meals, Starters & sides Tags // Cyprus, Fig, Greek, Oregano, Ricotta, Starter

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