KERKINI LAKE

Lake Kerkini (Greek: Λίμνη Κερκίνη), is an artificial reservoir that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive marshland.

Before 1932, there were irregular marsh lakes on Strymon, one of them called "Podkova" Ottoman Turkish: ݒودقوه كوليPodkova Gölü [1] became the mother of Kerkini.

Wild birds in Lake Kerkini

Lake Kerkini is now one of, if not the, premier birding site in Greece, and, as it is situated along the migratory flyway for migratory birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond it experiences an interesting migration.

LEROS ISLAND

 LEROS. 


Among the cluster of the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea, east of the Cyclades and off the southwest coast of Turkey (Asia Minor, where Greeks lived since the prehistoric period, until 1922), is Leros Island. Leros is renowned for its deep, sheltered natural bays – such as the picturesque Lakki Harbour. (Its excellent harbours were the main reason that the island was highly prized strategically throughout history.) Leros is mountainous and consists of three peninsulas joined by two isthmuses, with a total area of 20 square miles, and has a population of 10,000. The Capital of Leros is Agia Marina, the old mediaeval port.

 One can take advantage of wonderful safe beaches on the east and west coasts, which are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
It is believed that Leros and Kalymnos just to the southeast comprise the Kalydnian isles referred to by Homer, famous in ancient times for its honey and for a temple of Artemis. The island was associated in antiquity with the cult of Artemis (worship of the mother-goddess). Leros was first inhabited by Carians, succeeded by Cretans, Ionians, Byzantines and Rhodians; in 1319 it was taken over by Rhodes.

Leros has many very picturesque and attractive villages lying on its beautiful coasts. Most of those villages have fine examples of the traditional architecture of the island. Their beauty is increased by the fact that they have kept their authentic and traditional colours. Accommodations and taverns are available in all the villages of the sland and various other touristy facilities can be found in the touristy resorts and in the lovely capital.

RECIPE - EGGPLANTS WITH BEEF AND CHEESE

EGGPLANTS WITH BEEF AND CHEESE


Materials
6 medium eggplants
500 gr. ground beef
500 gr. tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic chopped
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil (dried) ½ teaspoon of
Salt, pepper, a little sugar
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cup milk
White pepper a pinch
A pinch of nutmeg
1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated cheese
1 cup. tea olive

CURRENT RECIPE COOKING
Remove the stem from the eggplant and cut in half. The dig removing about half the flesh. Salt them and leave them about half an hour to get the bitterness out.
Finely chop the flesh removed from the eggplant. Heat in a pan 4 tablespoons of olive oil and add the flesh, onion and garlic. Fry, stirring regularly, until soft. Take them off the heat.
In another pan heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced Roast. When roasted add the fried meat, herbs, tomatoes, salt, pepper and a little sugar. Cook over low to medium heat until the liquid has evaporated.
Wipe the aubergines from their fluids. Heat all the remaining oil and fry the aubergines from both sides. The array in a pan, the salt and pepper lightly and divide the meigma the meat the cavity dig.
Heat a saucepan melt the butter (careful not to burn) and add the flour. Stir and cook, stirring for one minute. Add the milk and continue stirring until thickened. Add salt, white pepper and moschokarydo. Divide the sauce over the eggplant and sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes or until browned cheese. Serve warm

HALKIDIKI. FOR DEMANDING VISITORS

 HALKIDIKI. 

Chalkidiki, also Halkidiki, Chalcidice or Chalkidike is a peninsula in northern Greece, and one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Central Macedonia. The autonomous Mount Athos region is part of the peninsula, but not of the regional unit. The capital of Chalkidiki is the main town of Polygyros, located in the centre of the peninsula.

The Cholomontas mountains lie in the northcentral part of Chalkidiki. Chalkidiki consists of a large peninsula in the northwestern Aegean Sea, resembling a hand with three "fingers" (though in Greek these peninsulas are often referred to as "legs") – Pallene (now Kassandra), Sithonia, and Agion Oros (the ancient Acte), which contains Mount Athos and its monasteries. Chalkidiki borders on the regional unit of Thessaloniki to the north.

A stroll through the garden of paradise is no longer impossible. Along the seashore under the sun, the indented coastline spreads out for many kilometres alongside the blue waters of the sea, into a secret garden of pleasing scents and lush vegetation. An artist would strive to find suitable colours to capture on canvas the countless shades of nature, the magnificent depths of the sea along sandy or rocky beaches and the patterns the sea has sculpted on the rocks and even the movement of the wind through the trees. Choose your favourite colours and paint your holidays in Halkidiki, like you have always dreamed of. 

Halkidiki has a variety and diversity which will satisfy even the most demanding visitors. Flavourful areas offering traditional cooking can be found in all the architecturally magnificent villages of the area, along with idyllic bays and small islands, stunning archaeological sites and a unique cave. There is also an exciting nightlife, beaches that seem to stretch forever and turquoise waters. These are just some of the things that make up this Peninsula. Archaeologists will lose themselves into examining civilisations stone-by-stone in Olynthos, Stagira, Petralona cave, Potidaia and Toroni. Romantic visitors will aimlessly wander the vast expanses of sandy beaches and traditional alleys, while the active types will enjoy all kinds of water sports on the beaches of Halkidiki, as well as biking or trekking in Mt Holomondas.

ENJOY BOUGATSA !

 Bougatsa is a popular pie that you can have as breakfast or brunch ,or even as an appetizer.There are many recipes of bougatsa with sweet cream,minced meat or cheese filling .

The "homeland"of this delicious dish is northern Greece.

SIROS OR SIRA . THE SOVEREIGN OF CYCLADES

 SIROS


This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come to a harmonious marriage. Ermoúpoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the island’s capital town and has been the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century. Evidence of this glorious past can be seen on public buildings (the City Hall, the Customs Office, “Apollo” theatre), on the neoclassical houses and at the beautiful squares. Due to its economic activity, Ermoúpoli has been called “Manchester of Greece” and the history of its years of blossom is exhibited in the Industrial Museum.
The Orthodox community has contributed some outstanding religious monuments to the architecture of Ermoúpoli such as the churches of Metamórphossi tou Sotíros (Transfiguration of Jesus Christ), St Nicolas the Rich (Áyios Nikólaos Ploússios), Dormition of the Mother of God (Koímissis tis Theotókou).

 The medieval quarter of the Roman Catholic community and the fortress-like St George’s cathedral are on St George hill, also named Áno Sýros (meaning upper Sýros). Go up the stairs to the top of the hill and through the narrow streets, by the traditional whitewashed houses, the archways and the open spaces with a breathtaking view of the island.

The great number of beautiful beaches will delight the sea and sand lovers: Vári, Foínikas, Yalissás and Kíni, as well as Possidonia or Dellagrazia, the beach of a village with many neoclassical mansions with colourful orchards.
Sýros is well-known for its gastronomic peculiarities. Halva pie (a pie made of thyme honey and roasted almonds), loukoúmi (a delight made of water, starch and sugar), “loosa” ham, fennel sausages and the San Mihalis spicy cheese (appellation d'origine contrôlée/”protected designation of origin") will no doubt satisfy even the most demanding taste buds.
Internationally acclaimed festivals are held on Sýros, offering a wide range of choices and covering any taste, e.g. The International Cyclades Music Festival, the Classical Music Festival, the Ermoupólia and the Musical May.

GREEK SPECIALTY WITH SHRIMPS AND FETA

The days are already shiny in Greece.

Its the best time for "ouzomezedes" (snacks that accompany ouzo drinking) by the sea.One of the more popular is shrimps with feta cheese,just fantastic.Here is the recipe:

DELICIOUS GARLIC DIP.

Every year on March the 25th , Greeks as the other Orthodox Christians of the world ,celebrate the Annunciation of Virgin Mary.On the Greek table is served a delicious,particular traditional dish called "Bakaliaros skordalia".

Fried cod croquette is accompanied with a dip that combines garlic , the delicate flavor of olive oil, the scent of lemon and potato flavor.In Ionian Islands they use for the dip preparation also  walnuts or almonds.

FOURNI IKARIAS - UNIQUE SUMMER VACATION

 The trip to Fourni Ikaria (or Korseon - Crusader Island) does not need much to win your heart. There has not been "worth seeing", but it is worth to live. Deserves to live a swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the best seafood recipes at the best prices. Deserves to live him ... dialogue with the air in the mountainous parts of the island. Deserve to live your hospitality and above all enjoy what you are looking for more: quiet holiday.

 The ovens, center island of the group, came on the tourist map recently. They came but for those seeking something special on holiday, away from the crowds of popular destinations. Approximately 20 years ago the circumstances were different.

The - considerably smaller - ships anchored outside what was then characterized harbor and passengers (there were no cars on the island then) "akrovatousan" in ladder trying to get safely to the boats that were waiting to drive them ashore. Yet even this adventure was an icing on the cake 'rock' holiday island.

The  Country  of Fourni  remains almost unchanged in the quaint streets and houses of traditional architecture. In the evenings, with a backdrop of colorful boats, the beach is filled with people and I think I just finished a concert. Fourni and visitors walk almost incessantly from one end to the other. You think you participate in a parade with irregular step, while ... oncoming meet the same people your smile two to three times. Some loxodromoun and climb to the main square, next to where tall trees are the old cafes island

TSOUREKI,GREEK EASTER BREAD RECIPE

Christian Orthodox  Easter is the most important Holiday greeks.Greeks love this period because the sky is sunny,and the smells everywhere in the country are tempting.

Nature is full of flowers and kitchens full of traditional dishes.One of them is "Tsoureki" ,the Greek Easter Sweet Bread.try it once and it you never forget its unique flavor.Greek experienced housewives have their own recipe,their own secrets that pass to the next generaation! In many regions of Greece they combine two easter customs the red dyed eggs and the tsoureki ,in the dough og which they braid the eggs as decoration material.

TRADITIONAL AND GOURMET

It's simple to prepare and nice to serve for your guests! This dish combines two popular flavors: chicken soup and the popular feta cheese.The result would be better using Greek traditional bread and extra virgin olive oil.Enjoy it!

KALYMNOS, EXPLORE SEABED AND VILLAGES

Kalymnos is 

located in 

Dodecanese 

islands complex, 

,in south Aegian 

sea.

Despite its relatively 

small size, 

the island offers a 

variety of 

activities for  visitors:

...beautiful and clean beaches for 

the vacationers - families 

,couplesand singles -

of all ages :

..rich and magical seabed for the 

diving lovers ,

...impressive rocks of superior 

quality for climbing and

...great history and abundance of 

archaeological sites and 

monuments for scholars

The beautiful landscapes, the 

delicious cuisine and the friendly 

people, guarantee a quality escape 

from everyday life and a memorable 

stay in the 'Island of the sponge 

catchers'.tourists love to explore 

and small ,picturesque villages and the local cuisine.

PIHTI SOUP

It's the so called after "midnight dish".It is considered as remedy food for stomach.Greeks love it for its  original flavor.Taste it,as an appetiser for gourmet table combinations.Serve it also with vegetables.

GREEK "KEFTEDAKIA" SNACK

Greek "keftedakia" (meet balls ) is the ideal snack for parties and family gatherings. They are usually served with fried potatoes , Greek salad and ouzo drink.

The big secret for the recipe success is the use of herbs and the meet mixture.Try φfro yopur meet balls mixing veal,prok and lamb meet.

GREECE. THE LAND OF GASTRONOMY PLEASURE

ORGANIC FARMING - Gourmet Recipes
 The truffles, stevia, pomegranate, rose industrial products are the future of the Greek world, products that not only ensure the future of farmers and offer a way out of the impasse that is, but they also have spectacular returns.

 OLIVE. The GREEN GOLD

Greek olive oil is, without doubt, the green gold of the country. In Greece, we love olive oil, we use it every day and know the great benefits. Of the olive oil produced in Greece Excellent product beauty. Soaps and cosmetics. Unique with excellent results.

GREEK FETA SAGANAKI RECIPE

 Truffle: The black diamond
unique plantation in Greece that has gone into the production process truffle and with great success is to Resin Uttaranchal.

 Rose: pink gold

The culture of the industry rose began in Kozani
From roses produced rose oil and rose water, used mainly in the production of cosmetics and perfumes in pastry, in cooking and in pharmacy.

 Pomegranate: The 'good luck' culture

 Stevia: the plant in the new millennium

It is a multi-year, multidisciplinary and herbaceous plant that lives elsewhere and cultivated as an annual elsewhere for 3-7 years, as in Greece.

GREEK GIOUVETSI.JUST DELICIOUS.

You'll only need some very simple ingredients and a good recipe.Greek 

Giuvetsi is an traditional dish, served on the family table,especially popular to kids.Υοu can use almost any kind of meat and many types of pasta. The big success secret: serve it hot,immediately from the oven !

A FRESH ,GREEK SUMMER SALAD

  

Olive οιl,

tomatoes,
cucumber,olives,

basil,spinach and other popular  ingredients of the Greek agricultural production ,fantasy and a healthy,juicy,fresh salad is waiting for you in your table.Greek summer is the inspiration for tasteful dishes .A way to bring vacations,sea,sun and  summer closer !Until your next voyage in Greece,bon appetite !

AN ORIGINAL SAUCE FOR YOUR TABLE

  

Ιt's called "taramosalata", that means fish roe salad .It is served this period of the year as an appetizer especially during  Shrove Monday.Try it with fresh or grilled  vegetables,spread on small slices of bread or toasts .It matches perfectly with  ouzo.