now is the time to support local

Most of us live our lives focusing on convenience or rather what we call "one-stop" everything. Super-markets that offer everything under one roof. Malls that offer shopping, dinning and entertainment.Shops are trying to attract busy customers by supplying or better yet squeezing everything into "one-stop". We hire people to babysit our kids, read and play with our kids, all for the sake of "convenience"

When I first moved to Greece I was unemployed and of course this meant I had  lots of time on my hands. So I watched people, the housewives, the grandparents. and what  I observed was that their day was different from what most of us are used to.

By 8am they are already out the door.First stop the bakery for fresh bread, and no they don't buy bread to put in the freezer for a month, they buy fresh bread every morning. Next step the butcher who every day greets his customers with a huge smile and is more than willing to give cooking tips and advice to his customers.Next stop the local grocer, who always puts extra vegetables in your bag just because he likes you, and  if the bags are heavy offers to have them delivered to your home.Last our favourite deli where my youngest son is always encouraged to help himself to kalamata olives or a slice of his favorite salami.

In one morning they have exchanged conversation and human contact with so many people.They say simple words  like  goodmorning....how are you today.....how are your kids..Of course their is.no pressure at the check-out counter (like the supermarket) because there aren't 10 people behind you in a hurry to go somewhere else.....

That is the key..the somewhere else.  Let's go back to basics, let's talk to people, support your local shop even if you pay just a little extra. Don't forget the small shops can't buy the massive quantities a super market can, we have to support the local economy....and above all you can't put a price on human contact..

Say goodmorning to someone today...get to know your neighbours..stand by each other...!!

- originally posted Oct2010

Greek Saffron...

Most of us think of greek cuisine basically as souvlaki, tzatziki and moussaka. Don't get me wrong I think a souvlaki is one of the greatest, and cheapest fast food fixes you can get., but defining greek cuisine is a lot more complicated than that. Greek cuisine is a culmination of regional cuisines, amazing local products and  many talented, and wonderful  chefs and amateur cooks keeping our culinary traditions alive. Every chance I get I will introduce to you some of these exquisite products as well as to some unique recipes from different regions of Greece.

Today I want to mention the Greek producers of Saffron or Krokos Kozanis in Greek. Did you know the Saffron produced in Greece  is considered one of the best in the world?

Saffron or "krokos"  is produced in Kozani in northern Greece. The only place in Greece, and one of the few places in Europe where saffron is cultivated. The town was named Krokos, from the Saffron producing flower, the crocus sativus. The climate conditions , the cultivation method used, as well as centuries of experience explain the fine quality and characteristics of Krokos Kozani.

With respect to quality, seriously this saffron is one of the best, and still reasonably priced campared to other saffron from other parts of the world.

Saffron was also used in ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome for its medicinal benefits. It is said to protect your eyesight, as well as having super anti-oxidant properties.

Saffron Tea Recipe:

 
3 cups of water

12 strings of Saffron or Krokos Kozanis
plus the tea of your choice
let simmer for about 5minutes..sieve and serve plain or with honey.

..interesting note: Did you know...In Greek mythology, the mortal Crocos fell in love with the nymph Smilax. Smilax rejected his amorous advances and turned him into a beautiful purple crocus flower....!!