Rye cream cheese cookies
Well this year has been off to an uneven start thus far. On the one hand, we’ve managed a short family getaway involving actual snow. On the other, we have then been plagued with sick babies for what felt like eternity. So after my firstborn has been a feverish mush for over 2 days (amidst a panicked trip to the emergency) something had to be done to cheer her up and soothe my nerves. Enter these rye cream cheese cookies. Obviously baking is nothing if not therapeutic. And the last time I made these for a small social gathering, my better quarter stole almost the entire batch off the cooling rack.Melomakarona – festive Greek cookies
Even though the holidays are nearly here, there is still time to create something for yourself or your loved ones. These festive Greek cookies (known as melomakarona) are very easy to make, don’t require too many ingredients and make a perfect gift when you want to spread happiness. The amazing thing about them is that they keep for weeks at room temperature simply covered with cling film. Perhaps the only drawback you might find in them is that the initial recipe makes a gigantic batch. But then Greeks love to eat and they enjoy abundance while doing it, as previously seen here. So if the danger of overflowing in cookies is stopping you, then luckily the recipe can be easily halved.The quickest s’more cupcake
Much as I love baking, there are times when craving hits so suddenly that even 15 minutes would be too long. Say, you’ve just had a satisfying meal but need a dessert and nothing has been prearranged. Or, perhaps, you are about to have a cup of your preferred hot beverage and demand a worthy accompaniment. Luckily, this s’more cupcake comes to the rescue in all those situations and likely many others. And did I mention that it takes less than 2 minutes to prepare it? Yes, there is a literal s’more cupcake and it comes together quicker than it normally takes to clear the table after dinner. To “worsen” the matter further, the only utensils you will need besides the cup is two spoons. In other words, this is probably the least messy dessert you will ever make. Pumpkin pancakes
If you’ve risen up to the challenge and made your own cheese, then you should have some whey left over. And these healthy whole wheat pumpkin pancakes is just one example how to use it. But even if you haven’t, don’t fret! Whey can easily be substituted for your preferred type of milk here. These are very quick to make and they are a great change from the plain pancakes which normally don’t taste like anything other than the toppings. These pumpkin pancakes pack quite a bit of spice to kick start that sleepy metabolism. They also feel really indulgent but hassle-free on moody winter mornings. Pastitsio – Greek pasta bake
As I probably mentioned before, most of my memories are somehow associated with food. No wonder then that a year I spent in Greece long ago still feels more like a culinary journey than a personal one. Admittedly the region has it pretty easy thanks to amazing fresh produce. Great quality ingredients don’t need much manipulation to make a winning dish. Wedges of ripe tomatoes, chunks of feta, generously peppered with oregano and literally bathing in a bowl of olive oil. (As my local friends used to joke: “It’s not a salad unless you can baptize a baby in the abundance of oil”.) Certainly add a freshly baked crusty loaf that you must use to soak up every last drop. And there you have a it. A simple yet rich and rustic meal. But then realize that’s all only the appetizer and you will understand how hearty average meals are.Unfortunately I never truly got into moussaka. At least not in the way a traditional dish demands. This pastitsio though, is a whole different story.