Happy Friday and Good Friday. (Megali Paraskevi) 

So today is a very important day for all of us.  Megali Paraskevi, (Good Friday), where Jesus was crucified on the cross. Very special weekend for all the Christians around the world. This is a day of mourning and a day to prepare the Epitafios, ( The Bier of Christ). The Bier of Christ is decorated with flowers and carried around the church.

I have attached a video from my friend Vangelis who I met in Skiathos. Check out this great video from Skopelos, Greece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvpHNVSGFfU

All day I have been cooking making Tsoureki, Koulourakia, and last night I made the red eggs. We bought a special red dye at a European market in Folsom, CA.  I am sure everyone is either baking their cookies now, or will be tomorrow. Below I have attached a very yummy kolourakia recipe as promised. Enjoy!!

Koulourakia Recipe

I dedicate this recipe to my cousin Effie in Maryland. Kalo Pasxa cousin!!

~Koulourakia~

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups butter
• 6 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups (475 ml) sugar
• 6 tsp (30 ml) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml), baking soda
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• juice of 1/2 orange
• 3 tsp of vanilla extract
• 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teasp of lemon zest/ orange zest

Preparation:

1. Beat butter and sugar adding eggs one at a time.
2. Beat until smooth and sugar has dissolved.
3. Mix baking powder and baking soda with 2 cups of flour and blend.
4. Add remaining ingredients – not all of the flour at once though, and then make sure your dough is soft, elastic and not sticking to your fingers.
5. place the dough in a bowl covered for about 30 minutes.
6. Take small pieces of dough (size of a nut) to form S-shaped or O-shaped koulourakia.
7. Line pan with baking sheet and preheat your oven to 350 degrees f or at 175 c.
8. Beat 1 egg yolk with 1 tsp  water and brush over cookies.
9. Bake at moderate heat until golden brown.

Learn Some Greek Easter Lingo:

Καλό Πάσχα (Kalo Pasha, have a good Easter)
Καλή Ανάσταση (Kali Anastasi, Anastasi= Resurrection)
Χρόνια Πολλά (Hronia polla)
Χριστός Aνέστη, Αληθώς (Hristos Anesti, Alithos Anesti): When the priest announces the resurrection of Christ, people spread the word by saying  “Χριστός Ανέστη” (Hristos Anesti) which means “Christ has risen”. The other person must respond by “Αληθώς” (Alithos) which could be translated as “indeed”.

Friday Lent Recipes

Fasolatha: Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried white beans
• 10 cups water
• 1 large onion
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 large can of tomato juice
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Soak the beans overnight. Drain and add the beans to a large pot filled with the 10 cups of water.
2. Bring pot to a boil and reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add vegetables,tomatoes,tomato paste, bay leaf, and garlic.
4. Simmer for 45 minutes until vegetables are cooked.
5. Season soup with salt & pepper.

Horta ( Boiled Greens)

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of any green of your choice.( I use swiss chard.)
• white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil, if you are not fasting from olive oil.
• 1 lemon juiced
• Salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Clean and wash the greens very well.
2. Soak them in a large bowl with water and vinegar.
3. Drain the water, and place greens in a large pot, with salted water to cover.
4. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 20 minutes.
5. Drain in a colander, and place in a large bowl.
6. Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.

Lenten Chocolate Cake 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 6 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups cold water

Directions:

1. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the wet ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.
4. Pour batter into greased large baking pan.
5. Bake at 350 Degrees or 180 Celsius.