Author Description

With a culinary heritage shaped by the the sun, the sea and the Mediterranean landscape, Greek cuisine is bursting with rich flavours and fresh ingredients. It makes full use of ripe summer fruits, herbs and vegetables, particularly tomatoes and olives, to produce the foundations of dishes that are both healthy and packed with taste. To these signature staples, ingredients are added from the surrounding area? succulent lamb; freshly-caught fish, such as swordfish, hake, tuna and squid; yogurt; feta cheese; and bread baked slowly in smoky local ovens. This book is all about translating and recreating the evocative tastes, textures and traditions of Greek food easily in your own kitchen. The introductory section of the book opens with a history of Greek cuisine and its regional influences, and then gives full details on how to choose the best ingredients and how to prepare these foods in the traditional method. The recipe section offers 160 authentic dishes, both classic and modern? mezes, soups, main courses, vegetable dishes and desserts. Every recipe is tested for the modern kitchen and uses ingredients that can now be found in the local supermarket. All recipes are illustrated step by step, demonstrated visually so they are easy to follow and copy with confidence, and there is a glorious photograph of every finished dish, to show the reader exactly what to aim for. Mezes include such delights as Grilled Vegetable Terrine, Stuffed Vine Leaves, and Taramasalata. For the main course, there are wonderful dishes such as Spring Lamb Casserole with Fresh Peas, and Grilled Swordfish Skewers. For those with a sweet-tooth, mouthwatering specialities such as Walnut Cake or Sifnos Cheese and Honey Tart can be served for dessert. This glorious book, with 700 photographs, shows you how to recreate the flavours, aromas and colours of sunny Greece in your own cooking and entertaining.