spanakopita

Food. Great isn't it?

It's a huge part of who I am. Family gatherings surround it, sometimes it's given as a gift and it brings my family and I together. I have been spending great amounts of time with my family my entire life and we have all enjoyed countless meals together. Now, when I say family, I'm not talking about my mom, dad, brother and I. I'm including my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. We all get together every single holiday, birthday and there are many moments we have nothing to celebrate, but we get together and eat anyway.

I am half Greek, half Italian, and all of my grandparents were born in Europe, so when I say food is a part of who I am, I mean it. I truly believe there must be traces of olive oil in my blood. :)

I grew up with my grandparents around my kitchen table, and many women who appreciate the art of cooking. It's their way of showing they care, and entertaining people at the same time. So, by nature, I truly love cooking.

I get a sense of pride biting into one of the dishes I've cooked. But like I said, I get my desire from the women who put the flavor in cooking, which is why I am very eager to learn from them as much as I can.

If you take a bite of Greek food, you'll probably taste a burst of lemon, olive oil and oregano. Doesn't that just make your mouth water? Lemon and the smell of Greek food will always remind me of my YiaYia and Papou.

About a month ago, I got the chance to cook with my YiaYia and Thea Voula. We made a Greek dish called, Spanakopita, which is Greek for spinach pie. It's flaky, filling and so good!

I am so glad I was able to spend time with YiaYia and Thea Voula, and learn something I can teach my family someday. Please try the recipe, which is listed below. Why not be Greek for a day? :)

Ingredients:

4 lbs of spinach
2 bunches of green onion (chopped)
Handful of parsley
Several basil leaves (cut into little pieces)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup of olive oil
8oz container of cottage cheese
4oz of cream cheese (we didn't use this, but I've had spanakopita with cream cheese and it tastes great!)
1lb of feta
6 eggs
1 lb of phyllo (make sure it's country style)

 YiaYia and Thea Voula

Clean the green onions, split them and cut in half inches. Place them in boiling water for a couple minutes. Boiling the onions settles the strong taste.

Crumble the feta in a bowl.

Next add spinach, basil, parsley, green onion, salt, pepper and cheeses. Mix together.

Beat the eggs and add to the mixture.

Then, lay a piece of phyllo over the pan and brush olive oil over the entire sheet, especially the corners.

Don't fold the edges in yet, because the filling goes on top. Repeat with half of the box, one sheet at a time. Using olive oil is key, because the phyllo is not supposed to be dry.

Place filling over phyllo and spread evenly.

Fold  the sides over and and use the rest of the sheets in the box. Fold the remaining sheets before placing on top of the spinach filling. Fold them in a rectangle, so the sheets cover the pan like the picture above. Brush the top with olive oil.

Cut into small squares very carefully and place in the oven.

 The finished product. Enjoy :)

Stay beautiful,

Marina