Georgina Hayden

Feeding since 1982

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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

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

Orange and honey truffles

03.24.2015 by georgie // 3 Comments

Its Easter next week! (English that is, Greek Easter is the week after. I get two this year = 2 x chocolate eggs. Winner). Not quite sure how it’s crept up on me but it’s almost here and there is a lot of cooking to be done. I adore Easter, for Greeks it’s an even bigger celebration than Christmas. Growing up in my Grandparents restaurant meant days, even weeks of cooking (and fasting). Resulting in days of church services, midnight mass, flower garlands and massive feasts. We’d close the restaurant on Easter Sunday and have all the family and all our friends round for an enormous meal. Definitely some of my happiest memories.

Finished truffles
Finished truffles

Needless to say my Yiayia will have a list as long as her arm of the things we need to cook over the next few weeks, but to kick start the Easter preparations I’m posting a foolproof recipe for heavenly chocolate truffles. Laced with honey, orange blossom and citrus, they are so simple to make and are a gorgeous Easter gift. Read more…

Categories // Baking & puddings Tags // Bergamot, Birthday, Chocolate, Cyprus, Gluten-free, Orange, Orange Blossom, Sweets, Vegetarian, Wheat-free

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Georgina is an award winning food writer, cook and presenter from North London.
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