Greek Cooking Tips

Oregano should preferably come from Greece.  Use the fine dried leaf form, not powder.

Sweet onions such a Vadalia taste best in a salad, although some people may prefer a stronger tasting onion.

Domestic Feta Cheese can be used, but the flavor and texture of Imported Greek Feta is best.  There are some markets that carry it.  If you cannot find it, domestic is the next best thing.  Be careful of Feta from other countries.  The flavor can be very different.  We suggest you taste before you buy.

Different vinegars will create different flavors in your Greek salad dressing.  It is a matter of preference.  We mainly use Red Wine Vinegar.  For a sweet "kick" I like to sometimes use "Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar (roasted garlic)".  It is available in most grocery stores and found with the other types of vinegar.  You may want to try it.

We all love tomatoes out of the garden.  Unfortunately, we can only get them in summer in most regions of the country.  However, there are some pretty good substitutes if you are willing to pay a little more for great flavor.  These include grape tomatoes, and my favorite, closest to the taste of fresh, are Campari tomatoes.  They are sold in a small container.  They are smaller than regular tomatoes but bigger than cherry tomatoes and they have a great taste.  If you have not yet discovered them, you are in for a treat.

Instead of using butter or margarine on vegetables, pour on a little Greek olive oil.  It is healthier and tastes great.  Add a little lemon juice and salt for extra flavor.

If you can buy an olive oil sprayer, spray the oil on popcorn instead of butter. 

Replace butter or margarine in recipes with our Greek olive oil.

Dipping Ideas

Quality olive oil like Couris Pure Gold  is so light and delicious, it can stand alone. Cut up your favorite bread, dip in oil, and eat.  

For an added kick, try these easy additions:

Sprinkle the oil with lemon pepper. Tastes great!

Add some fresh garlic, garlic powder or garlic salt to the oil. Your favorite grated cheese can also be added.  

Crumble in some Feta cheese,  then add lemon juice and garlic.

Sprinkle a very small (It does not take much) seasoned salt.   Try adding bacon bits and garlic powder (or fresh pressed garlic) to the oil.

Finally, did you know that Alzheimer's Disease is very rare in India? This is attributed to their consumption of yellow curry. Specifically, it is the Turmeric in the spice that seems to prevent Alzheimer's. It is only good for prevention and will not reverse the disease for someone who already has it. Try a little Turmeric powder and garlic with the oil for dipping. You will have a good tasting dip that is good for your brain!

Have fun experimenting with different spices & combinations and please share your favorites!