Kalikantzari, which are malevolent goblins, in Greek and Cypriot folklore tradition, get out of the depth of earth during the twelve days of Christmas.
Christmas
This classic Orange flavoured Vassilopita cake pairs well with an orange or Lemon Buttercream.
There are many ways to make this cake, so you can learn all about the tradition behind the cake and another recipe in my last year’s post.
Zalatina, as it is called in Cyprus, or pichti in Greece, is a traditional delicacy, served as an appetizer, originally made from the head and trotters of the pig, which create a gel when it sets.
Brining a turkey makes it moistier. You can either brine it in a water solution with salt, water, sugar and spices or dry brine it.
Amygdalota, take their name from amygdala, which mean almonds in Greek and are no bake Greek cookies from the Greek islands made with blanched almonds and sugar. They are dipped in rose water and then coated with icing (confectioners’) sugar.
These Kourabiedes by Parliaros are Greek Christmas cookies, similar to shortbread cookies which are flavoured with real vanilla pod, filled with toasted almonds and pistachios and when baked they are coated in icing sugar.
These Bitter Chocolate spiced carob cookies were made with bitter chocolate, carob syrup and ginger. They have a chocolatey taste due to the chocolate but also due to the carob syrup.
This Pork tenderloin recipe is one of my favourites because it is filled with sauteed spinach, halloumi and bacon.
Lahanosalata, is a festive, creamy Coleslaw salad, made with cabbage, celery, onion, pomegranate, nuts and raisins and dressed with a delicious mayonnaise salad dressing.
Diples (pronounced diip-LESS), which means folded, is another traditional Christmas sweet pastry, made in many parts of Greece especially in the Peloponnese. These are the desserts they serve at weddings, christenings, engagements etc. but are also very popular during Christmas.