XpatAthens
Greek Almond Torte - Almond Muffins From Sifnos
- 4 eggs, separated (whites in small bowl and yolks in medium bowl)
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup ground skinless almond*
- ¾ cup ground biscotti
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
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Greek Bougatsa Recipe
The key to making the most flavourful Greek Bougatsa is to use good quality fresh butter to butter the phyllo sheets. The authentic Greek Bougatsa recipe calls for ‘galaktos’ butter made from cow’s milk, which has a rich flavor and amazing smell!
Working with phyllo can be tricky as it's brittle and can dry out very quickly. Don’t forget to brush the top of the bougatsa with enough butter and scar with a knife to help release the steam.
Try out this delicious traditional Greek bougatsa recipe and amaze your friends and family with this crispy and velvety delight. Enjoy!
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8-10 portions
Ingredients
For the bougatsa
- 400–450 g phyllo dough
- 200 g butter, melted
- 200 g sugar
- 1 kg milk
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping
- ground cinnamon
- icing sugar
- To make this traditional bougatsa recipe, start by making the filling. To prepare the filling for the bougatsa add in a large bowl the sugar, eggs, and flour; whisk until the ingredients combine.
- Pour into a saucepan the milk and the vanilla extract and bring to a boil. Right before the milk comes to a boil, pour 1/3 of the milk & vanilla extract mix into the flour mixture from step 1 and stir.
- Turn the heat down. Add the flour & milk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining warm milk. Whisk very quickly, until the mixture has thickened and is smooth and creamy. Do not remove the pan from the stove while whisking. This should take 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the stove and stir occasionally to keep the custard from forming a skin on top, while you prepare the rest of the bougatsa recipe.
- For this bougatsa recipe, you will need a large baking tray, approx. 20×30 cm / 8×12 inch. Using a pastry brush, butter the bottom and sides of the tray.
- Unroll the phyllo dough from the plastic sleeve. To make this bougatsa recipe you will need 10-12 phyllo sheets. Use 5-6 sheets of phyllo for the bottom of the bougatsa and 4-5 sheets for the top.
Discover The Exotic Charm Of Gajah: A Culinary Journey to Asia
@gajah_the_secret_island
Upon entering Gajah, you immediately feel like you've left Greece behind. The decor is a testament to Asian craftsmanship, with intricately carved wooden elephants, ambient lighting that mimics the warm glow of sunset, and hut-like roofs that lend an air of exoticism. The sound of trickling fountains adds a soothing backdrop, further enhancing the serene atmosphere.
During the summer months, Gajah opens its outdoor seating area, where guests can enjoy their meals under the sun or stars. The ambiance is enhanced by occasional live music events and DJ sets, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe that transports you to a faraway island retreat.
@gajah_the_secret_island
The culinary journey at Gajah begins with appetizers like the Kushiyaki Crab salad, a refreshing start that sets the tone for what's to come. For the main course, indulge in the flavorful Huli Huli Chicken, perfectly grilled and bursting with Asian-inspired spices. And don’t miss sharing the Shrimp Bao, a delightful dish that captures the essence of Asian street food.
But it’s not just about the food and drinks at Gajah—the entire experience is designed to transport you to a different world. Whether you're enjoying a cocktail crafted with exotic ingredients or simply soaking in the ambiance, every moment at Gajah feels like a mini vacation to Asia.
@gajah_the_secret_island
Gajah isn't just a restaurant—it's a cultural escape, a place where flavors, ambiance, and hospitality come together to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, Gajah promises to whisk you away on a journey of flavors and sensations.
@gajah_the_secret_island
Main Image Credit: Gajah the Secret Island
My Week in Athens… Jul 12
I spent the last several days in northern Europe (read: Brussels) on a work-related trip. Brussels is what one might expect – organized, orderly, (mostly) clean and ‘subdued’… it’s a lovely city, lots of history, lots of interesting architecture, some cool places to visit...
But on this trip, I felt I had journeyed into the future, into November to be exact! The grey skies, the 18-degree weather, the rain… Oh the rain…
I know that I tend to put a lot of stock in climate, perhaps too much. But it really does affect my mood – the sun shining in a blue sky in the morning, somehow makes my day a little bit better, a little ‘lighter’…
So I must admit I spent most of my days in Belgium secretly praying for warm weather, longing for the warm sunshine of Athens…
And then I arrived in Athens. The phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’ came to mind… 41 degrees, boiling hot, and my little aircon unit sweating to keep up with the demand. Strange how a couple hours in a plane can take you to such a different place.
But still the sun and that blue sky…
Shopping for an aircon or fan? Check out www.skroutz.gr for deals and comparisons!
Until next week…
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
KiKu - Sushi Heaven in Kolonaki
12 Dimokritou Street
Athens, Greece 10673
phone: +30 210 364 7033
Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!
Vourgareli
Near the village Vourgareli, is the village Skiadades, the birthplace of Professor Christos Lambrakis, founder of the Modern Language headquarters in Geneva.
The Red Church of 1821, located in the village Paleochori of Vourgareli, known as Panagia Vella, a leading Tzoumerka Byzantine monument, which dates to the late 12th century and its name is probably from the red and black bricks that decorate the exterior walls of the monument. It is an exquisite specimen of art; it is a cross-shaped church with no dome on the type of ministry with diverse housing, and at the east it ends in a three-sided apse.
The Monastery of St. George of 1974. During the Turkish occupation, it was a spiritual and religious center, home supply and support of the population throughout the region Tzoumerka. In the spring of 1821, the chieftains of Tzoumerka, of Rodovizio and Xiromero were gathered in the monastery, in order to coordinate the fight and declare a revolution in the region of Arta. Vourgareliotes also found the monastery as a shelter when the Germans bombed and burned their village in 1943.
Notable points of interest:
1. the stone arch bridges "Neradogefyro" in Vourgareli, located beneath the playground in Bardis,
2. the bridge near the large fountain on the way to Athamanio,
3. the study of the library in Igglesio with rare books,
4. the taps in the village square called Archonto, Crystallo and Leptokaria down at the health center.
Participate in events:
1. Mountain Festival in June
2. Cultural events in 4 to 12 August in Vourgareli Square
3. At local festivals of the Prophet Elias on July 20 in Vourgareli and in the Red Church at 7 to 8 September in Paleochori.
Source: Xenion.gr