Sahlep comes from the root of an orchid and apart from its interesting taste, it is also a very strong thickening agent, so very little goes a long way (which is fortunate as it costs 98 euro per kilo!). The most interesting attribute of sahlep, however, is that it gives the ice cream an interesting elasticity, typical of kaimaki.
This recipe is perfect for those avoiding egg-based ice cream and it will keep in the freezer for longer. Serve it on its own with sour cherry syrup called vissinada (another traditional Greek combination) and some pistachios.
KAIMAKI ice cream
• 1tsp salepi (sahlab) or 1tbsp corn starch
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/4 tsp mastic powder
• chopped pistachios for decoration
DIRECTIONS
1. Dilute salepi in 1tbsp cold milk.
2. Bring milk, cream and sugar to boil, add salep (I used immersion blender because it wouldn’t dilute). Stir in mastic and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the slice of orange rind and remove from heat. Let it cool and place in the fridge. Churn in an ice cream machine.
4. Keep in the freezer until needed.
KALI OREKSI!
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Wednesday, 13 March 2019 00:43
March 13 - Springtime Outings In Athens
It may sound like a joke, but a Vietnamese chef, a French architect and a Greek musician have joined forces to create the funkiest Vietnamese restaurant in Athens. And if you're looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy your coffee, we have put together a list with some fabulous Bookstore cafes in the city!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Wednesday, 06 January 2021 17:02
The Celebration Of Epiphany In Greece
On January 6th, Greek people celebrate “Ta Phota” or “Theofania” or “Epiphania,” which stands for the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. It is a significant Greek celebration and the last one of the 12-day celebration period, starting on Christmas day. It is also a National Holiday, so public services, most shops, and businesses are closed.
In case you happen to be in Greece on January 5th and 6th, then here is what you can expect or experience: In the morning of January 5th, Greek children sing–once again–from door to door. The song they sing is not that known as the Christmas’ or the New Years’ carols, but also beautiful.
Click here to listen to the song. If you are curious to see how children sing the Epiphany carols, click here.
On the morning of January 6th, people gather at a specific waterside location where the priest throws the cross in the water. Depending on the region, the cross is thrown in the sea, river, or lake. In mountainous areas or in Athens, the cross can also be thrown in a fountain.
Young men will dive or jump in the water and try to catch the holy cross. The person that will catch it, will have a lot of luck this year. Take a look at this video, to get a better idea.
About OMILO
The Epiphany tradition goes back to ancient Greece, and particularly to a feast which was called “Plintiria” (=washing machines). During this feast, the Athenians carried the statue of Athena to the coast of Faliro (close to Piraeus) to wash it in the sea, to make sure it would keep its magic powers.
Don't forget that on January 6th, a lot of people have their Name Day as well: Fotis, Foteini, Theofanis, Theofania, Fani, Ourania, Iordanis. You can wish them: Xronia Polla! Χρόνια Πολλά!
If you want to learn other Greek wishes you can use for Name Days, National Holidays or Social Occasions, you are welcome to download the “Greek Wishes For Social Occasions” FREE eBOOK, including Audio for the correct pronunciation.
About OMILO
Omilo Greek Language and Culture inspires people from all over the world to learn Greek, while exploring Greece. They offer 1- and 2-week courses for adults that combine beautiful course locations, experienced teachers, and a balanced combination of Greek classes with cultural activities. All these make Omilo a place where people enjoy learning modern Greek and have fun.
Besides the courses, Omilo also creates online publications to help adults expand their language skills through Language Books and eBooks for different language levels.
Published in
Greek Traditions
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Monday, 08 November 2021 07:00
Halki Island To Turn Green
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis launched on Friday, November 5, the GR-eco project on the island of Halki, scheduled to turn the island green.
The project, which will include other islands in the future, aims at providing residents with lower electricity bills, reducing environmental pollution, and upgrading energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
Halki is a little island in the Dodecanese archipelago, located just 6 km west of Rhodes. Still untouched by mass tourism, Halki is the perfect destination either for relaxing vacations away from the bright lights or for a quick getaway from Rhodes island.
The benefit of the project for Halki is estimated to be a total of 180,000-250,000 euros per year, while the “green” energy from the solar energy power plants replaces the electricity production from oil resources from the Rhodes units, resulting in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 1,800 tons per year, the Greek government says.
Halki and the Dodecanese Islands will become sites of dynamic investments in green and cyclical economies, Mitsotakis said, which means cheap electricity and new jobs for the residents.
Residents will work with municipalities to produce the energy they consume, practically nulling the cost of the energy, he explained. “This model of energy democracy can and must become an example for every island, reducing costs on residential bills,” ushering in the era of prosumers, or producers/consumers who take advantage of natural energy sources without additional expense, Mitsotakis noted.
The crisis can become an opportunity under these circumstances, while Greece’s strategic location makes it a hub of energy transfer. “This is the meaning of the recent agreement with Egypt – such agreements turn into shields defending our borders as well,” the premier underlined, urging additional islands and their councils to join the GR-eco islands model.
Earlier in the week, during a speech at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP26, he noted that “our pioneering strategy, GR-eco, will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 10 million tons, gradually turning our islands into 100% green and sustainable, autonomous destinations.”
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
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Local News
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Friday, 03 November 2023 07:00
The Best-Kept Secret Of Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens naturally sends eyes skyward to take in the glories of the Parthenon and other buildings atop it, but its best-kept secret is a chamber inside the sacred rock.
The secret chamber of the Acropolis is actually a Byzantine church. Restored in 2017, the Acropolis, once a place of worship, burrows deep into the base of Athens’ most renowned mountain. Above the Dionysus Theater, is the church called Panagia Spilotissa, or the Virgin Mary of the Cave, which was converted from an archaic temple.
Ironically, the church originated as a temple to celebrate the ancient Greek god of festivity and religious madness. Dating back to 320 BC, the cave was a temple dedicated to Dionysus, built by Thrasyllos. Two Ionian pillars still stand on top of the entryway, easily spotted from the pedestrian walkway, the Dionysios Areopagitis, that borders the Acropolis.
Acropolis’ Secret: First an Archaic Monument, Then an Alternative Church
The monument was erected to celebrate Thrasyllos’ victory as the benefactor of a chorus that performed in the annual dramatic festival that honored Dionysus. After the victory, Thrasyllos had the monument constructed. It was again modified in 297 BC, following his son, Thrasyklis, victory to include inscriptions.
The cave was most likely considered sacred long before the construction of the monument. It may have been dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. The rock face was cut back to form a flat vertical surface, and the mouth of the cave was enlarged into a rectangular opening. Two broad stone steps led up to the entry.
A Doric marble portico was set at the front of the cave, in imitation of the Propylaea, on the southwest wing of the Acropolis. The structure would have been surmounted with three bronze tripods that served as the actual prizes in the annual competition that involved drama, comedy, and musical performances. The tripods were eventually replaced with a statue of Dionysus.
Best-Preserved Examples of post-Byzantine Hagiography
“The fresco decoration of Panagia Spiliotissa comprises the best-preserved examples of post-Byzantine hagiography in the area of the Acropolis and its slopes,” according to Dr. Konstantinos Boletis. Boletis serves as a restoration architect for the Department/Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens.
The church was one of the “alternative” places to worship that began to emerge in Athens during the sixth century following the decrees sent down by the Byzantine emperors.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
The secret chamber of the Acropolis is actually a Byzantine church. Restored in 2017, the Acropolis, once a place of worship, burrows deep into the base of Athens’ most renowned mountain. Above the Dionysus Theater, is the church called Panagia Spilotissa, or the Virgin Mary of the Cave, which was converted from an archaic temple.
Ironically, the church originated as a temple to celebrate the ancient Greek god of festivity and religious madness. Dating back to 320 BC, the cave was a temple dedicated to Dionysus, built by Thrasyllos. Two Ionian pillars still stand on top of the entryway, easily spotted from the pedestrian walkway, the Dionysios Areopagitis, that borders the Acropolis.
Acropolis’ Secret: First an Archaic Monument, Then an Alternative Church
The monument was erected to celebrate Thrasyllos’ victory as the benefactor of a chorus that performed in the annual dramatic festival that honored Dionysus. After the victory, Thrasyllos had the monument constructed. It was again modified in 297 BC, following his son, Thrasyklis, victory to include inscriptions.
The cave was most likely considered sacred long before the construction of the monument. It may have been dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. The rock face was cut back to form a flat vertical surface, and the mouth of the cave was enlarged into a rectangular opening. Two broad stone steps led up to the entry.
A Doric marble portico was set at the front of the cave, in imitation of the Propylaea, on the southwest wing of the Acropolis. The structure would have been surmounted with three bronze tripods that served as the actual prizes in the annual competition that involved drama, comedy, and musical performances. The tripods were eventually replaced with a statue of Dionysus.
Best-Preserved Examples of post-Byzantine Hagiography
“The fresco decoration of Panagia Spiliotissa comprises the best-preserved examples of post-Byzantine hagiography in the area of the Acropolis and its slopes,” according to Dr. Konstantinos Boletis. Boletis serves as a restoration architect for the Department/Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens.
The church was one of the “alternative” places to worship that began to emerge in Athens during the sixth century following the decrees sent down by the Byzantine emperors.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Published in
Greek Philosophy & History
Tagged under
Wednesday, 01 May 2024 23:38
Transforming Athens: The Rise of Europe's Largest Smart City Project
Described by Bloomberg as "Europe's largest smart city project," the Ellinikon Project by Lamda Development is making waves. Specifically, the publication notes that along the southern coastline of Athens, a long-awaited plan to transform the former airport of the Greek capital into Europe's largest smart city is finally gaining momentum. After a decade of delays, the vision for the Greek project is emerging. The marina tower, expected to be Greece's first skyscraper, is beginning to rise, while the iron skeletons of apartment buildings are taking shape. Standing at the marina, with a view of the Saronic Gulf on one side and the tower on the other, one can envision the future city, boasting open spaces, sustainable energy sources, and abundant greenery, elements currently lacking in Athens.
Spanning 6,200 acres and a 20-minute drive from the city center, the Ellinikon project will transform both the coastline and the country itself. It's the kind of project commonly seen in China or the United Arab Emirates and signifies Greece's resurgence post-crisis. Estimates suggest the project will add 2.5 percentage points to Greece's GDP and create up to 80,000 new jobs, while generating tax revenues exceeding €10 billion after its completion in 2037.
Moreover, it's expected to attract an additional million tourists annually, who can choose between a Mandarin Oriental hotel and an integrated casino-resort for their stay. For those looking to reside permanently in Elliniko, 243 units are already up for sale, with 140 already committed. The Marina Tower apartments, beachfront villas, and residential complexes were the first to sell out, with Lamda announcing property sales revenue of €641 million since last March.
Most buyers were Greek citizens, and the city is expected to house up to 20,000 people in approximately 10,000 homes over the next 13 years. Residents will have access to schools, parks, offices, stores, and even the beach within 15 minutes.
The process to start operations at the Greek project was not easy. When Lamda purchased the plot in 2014, parts of it were filled with the former airport's debris, including abandoned aircraft, while other parts housed refugees and migrants. The waterfront was filled with nightlife establishments and long-forgotten sports facilities, while licensing delays further complicated matters. Greece's near-bankruptcy when the project was proposed made it even more unlikely to start someday, as reported by Bloomberg.
While these challenges have receded, Lamda continues to face a labor shortage. Nearly 7,000 workers will be needed next year when construction begins around the project's commercial center. Lamda currently has around 2,000 employees and is in advanced discussions with contractors to bring in construction workers from other countries. By the end of summer, seven new apartment buildings will be visible from the shore, alongside the skyscraper currently under construction.
By the end of 2024, the skyscraper will reach 100 meters, and the number of beachfront residential buildings under development will skyrocket to 15. It's worth noting that by the end of 2025, a sports center with football fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools will open to the public. In conclusion, Lamda's CEO, Odysseas Athanasiou emphasizes that "by Christmas 2026, we want residents to live in their homes."
Originally published in Greek on: newsbeast.gr
Originally published in Greek on: newsbeast.gr
Transladed by: Codico Lab
Published in
Greece In The News
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:27
The National Marine Park Of Zakynthos
Zakynthos is one of the most important loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta nesting areas in the Mediterranean. Finding refuge in the marine area of the Bay of Laganas is actually a matter of survival for this beautiful but critically endangered species. Caretta caretta reaches Zakynthos in summer after having travelled thousands of kilometers across the Mediterranean territory.
During oviparity period, the female turtles head to the shore at night and dig with their back fins big holes in the sand, where they place 120 small eggs the size of ping pong balls. They then head to the sea leaving behind their traces in the sand, a sign that marks the holy ritual of birth.
After forty to sixty days the first eggs begin to “burst”. The little turtles remain protected for a few days more in the warmth of their nest until their body takes its final shape. A strong memory instinct will lead them back to the sea, where they will embark on their fascinating journey of life. They may return—adults this time—to breed and nest in the same place that they themselves were born. Unfortunately only one out of a thousand will survive since they will be exposed to many dangers, mostly associated with human activity. That is the reason why the Marine Park had been founded there in the first place.
For more information, please visit www.nmp-zak.org
Published in
Travel Greece
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Friday, 20 February 2015 15:29
Kaimaki Ice Cream
In Greece we call this type of ice cream “kaimaki” and it very typical of 1960s style confectionery shops selling baklava and kataifi as well as other types of-usually syrupy- sweets, but the recipe is based on Diana Abu-Jaber’s book The Language of Baklava, which was the previous Cook the Books pick. It is very often served in silver-style bowls and I remember eating it after big meals with the family over ekmek kataifi or with ravani. I always thought that it tasted of the mastic, but Diana’s recipe revealed another very interesting ingredient: sahlep (we call it salepi in Greek).
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Friday, 06 March 2015 12:41
Athens Is # 3! Top 10 Destinations In Europe For 2015
20 selected destinations competed for the prestigious title of Best European Destination 2015. After a three week period of online voting (244,696 voters made their choice and influenced the result!), Bordeaux has been elected the Best European Destination 2015, followed by Lisbon second and Athens third!
Bordeaux, Lisbon, Athens, Valetta, Riga, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Innsbruck, Milan, Brussels, Vienna, Rome, Barcelona, Istanbul and Madrid are the next best destinations for a holiday or city-trip in 2015.
European Best Destinations describes Athens:
'Athens is considered the cradle of western civilization. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments - a rare historical palimpsest, evident everywhere in the city.
The contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi-cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities. In other words, Athens is a must destination that combines modern urban innovation with history, culture and natural beauty throughout the year.'
XpatAthens would like to thank everyone who voted for Athens!
Published in
Travel Greece
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Thursday, 07 May 2015 08:00
Greece Takes Part in ‘European Clean-up Day’ Campaign
Greece is participating! European Clean-up Day is running from May 8-10. It is a Europe-wide annual clean-up day coordinated by the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) in order to reduce littering in nature and give visibility to the issue.
Over 4,500 volunteers of all ages throughout Greece have already registered their action (beach, underwater and forest clean-ups) with the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), the coordinator for the European Clean-up Day in Greece. These locations are across 50 coastal and mountain areas, displayed on the campaign’s e-map. Last year, some 5,000 volunteers participated in the event.
HELMEPA invites all to give a helping hand by organizing their own beach, lake, river or even forest, park or neighbourhood clean-up.
For more information about how to participte, please visit Greek Travel Pages.
Published in
Greece In The News
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Wednesday, 17 February 2016 07:00
Greek Tourism Thrives In 2015, Recording A 5.7% Rise In Arrivals
International tourist arrivals in Greece increased 5.7 pct in 2015 compared to 2014, the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) said on Thursday, announcing its official data collected from the country’s airports.
According to the report, 843,000 more tourists came to Greece in 2015, with the total number of airport arrivals reaching 15.5 million.
In December, Athens maintained its robust numbers with a 15.5 pct rise in arrivals compared to the same period of 2014, while for the entire year the Greek capital achieved an impressive 22.6 pct jump.
For the rest of the country, the Ionian and Cycladic islands secured the lion's share of tourists in 2015 recording a 3.7 pct and 15 pct boost in international arrivals respectively.
To read more, please visit: The TOC
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Local News
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