Yay today I received a WordPress notification that said: Happy Anniversary to you!! Thank you very much WordPress.

The Story Of Kouzounas Kitchen:

“I am a “JACK OF ALL TRADES!” Yes it is true, I have a lot to offer. I am a hairstylist of over 10 years and a chef of 5 years. (not including the years I spent in the kitchen as a little kid and thinking I was Top Chef.) I believe I use my artistic and creative abilities to just make people happy and see them smile when they bite into any of my foods. This all started when I watched my Yiayia, (which means grandmother in Greek) cook up a storm in her kitchen. Later on my parents would make barbecues at our house and invite family and friends over; I would see them enjoying the home made food. My parents watched me go through an intense one year of pastry school. While I was in pastry school, I flew to Greece to complete my internship; I became a sous chef on the island of Skiathos. I was working so very hard to get through the program and I succeeded. I finally realized that my passion is being in the kitchen and following my heart and dreams to one day have my own little coffee shop with my very own recipes. Now a days you might find me in Sacramento, catering to family and friends with my Mediterranean food
and great sweets.

Looking Back At Kouzounas Kitchen Year Of 2013

I have been blessed to meet amazing WordPress bloggers from around the world. Starting Kouzounas Kitchen not only was a challenge for me, but it inspired me to keep going with my dreams and goals.  Looking back at this year, I got to make some of my dreams come true: creating a magazine for Kouzounas Kitchen, (which will be out shortly), creating new recipes, connecting with fellow bloggers and sharing their passions and dreams, creating our YouTube channel, connecting with major companies like Gaea and well known recipe websites, and most importantly having fun with this blog.

Best Recipes From 2013/2014

Lavender Creme Brulee (1st recipe on Kouzounas Kitchen)

http://kouzounaskitchen.com/2013/03/12/cooking-with-fresh-lavender/

Lahanodolmades Recipe

http://kouzounaskitchen.com/2013/03/12/greek-stuffed-cabbage-leaves-lahanodolmades-recipe/

Skordalia Recipe

http://kouzounaskitchen.com/2014/02/24/traditional-greek-recipe-skordalia/

Melitzanosalata- (Eggplant Spread) Recipe

http://kouzounaskitchen.com/2013/07/07/another-easy-yet-tasty-greek-appetizer/

I hope you have enjoyed following this journey with us and we are looking forward to create new recipes, connecting with new bloggers, and viewers. So far we have over 146 countries viewing us, and I hope we can gain more. I want to thank everyone for your huge support and I would like to especially thank the following people below.

Special Bloggers & Friends 

Elaine : http://www.foodbod.wordpress.com

Fae: http://fae-magazine.com

Marina : http://zitronenundolivenoel.com/

Athina: http://kickingbackthepebbles.wordpress.com/

Ekaterina: http://ekaterinabotziou.com

Sia: http://greekweddingtraditions.com/

Pamela: https://www.facebook.com/ArtisticallyGeniuss

Keri: http://9musesnews.com/

Gaea: http://www.gaea.gr/

Katina: http://journeyswithkatina.com

Janet: http://chefjanetrorschach.com

Amal: http://amalkitchen.wordpress.com/

I want to thank everyone who has supported me in some way on Kouzounas Kitchen. Thank you to my boyfriend, family, and friends for pushing me to start this blog.

I made cupcakes & a hummus appetizer tonight for this special day. Here is the hummus recipe below.

Kouzounas Kitchen’s Garlic Hummus Recipe

• 1 can garbanzo beans
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 lemon
• Sea salt & ground pepper

Directions:

1. In a blender, add all the ingredients except the lemon juice, and blend until everything is well combined.
2. To serve: add hummus to a bowl or plate, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle oregano, and sea salt to finish.
3. Serve with fresh pita bread, and cucumber slices.

Kali Orexi!