RSS

Greek Pies-The Greek Spinach and Cheese Pie

Pies are very popular amongst Greeks around the world and in Greece. The two most popular types of Greek pies are the ones made with spinach and the ones made with Cheese. Cheese pies are very popular in Greece. That's because they are very easy to make. There are many different kinds of cheese used for cheese pies. Feta cheese is one of the most popular types. Another type of cheese used is Kefalotyri which is rather hard, salty yellow. Most Greek pie recipes In this book contain feta cheese as the basic ingredient. Certain cheeses, like kefalotyri might be hard to find outside of Greece.

You can make a Greek cheese pie with any kind of cheese. It all depends on your tastes and what ingredients you have available. You can substitute the cheeses with other local ones as long as you use a cheese with similar characteristics. Another thing worth mentioning is that you can mix an match. For instance, in recipes that include feta cheese, instead of using only feta cheese you can add ricotta. I know that certain cheeses in this guide can be pricey.

For example, in recipes that call for half a kg of feta you can use a quarter of a kg of feta and a quarter of a kg of ricotta. If you like you can sprinkle a little bit of ground Parmesan to the mix for added flavor. What I am trying to say is that the possibilities with these recipes are endless. The best thing you can do is to use these recipes as guidelines, alter if you like them in custom ways to suite your needs and tastes. Just like the Greek cheese pies, Greek spinach pies can be found in every Greek kitchen in the world, whether that is a restaurant or a home kitchen. The primary ingredient of the Greek spinach pie or as we say in Greek, Spanakopita is spinach.

There are many different recipes of spanakopita and some also include cheese. Greek spinach pie recipes are popular because it is easy to make and its absolutely delicious. Spinach and other greens are also very good healthy food choices. The beauty of Greek pie recipes is that they can be changed around and customized to your taste and needs. For instance, if you aim to make a really healthy spanakopita, instead of olive oil, you can use flax seed oil, use less phyllo and use fat free cheese. I am sure if you go through some of these recipes you will have many more ideas.

There are so many different Greek spinach pie recipes that it is virtually impossible to collect them all. Every cook has their own variation of delicious spanakopita. Some contain cheese, some don't, some are rolled up and some are spread out. Each recipe has its own character and taste. Reading through recipes before you select one and start cooking will give you an idea regarding the somewhat standard process in making spanakopita and other Greek pies.

One last thing to keep in mind is that some spinach pie recipes is that each recipe can be made with other greens aside from spinach. The term "horta" is loosely used in Greece to describe "greens". Radicchio, endive, dandelions, arugula, rapini are some examples of what would be defined as horta. In conclusion, Greek pies make tasty and healthy snacks and meals. Learning to make the most popular kinds of Greek pies, spinach pies and cheese pies is an excellent starting point for learning other more complex and even tastier Greek pie recipes.

Top ten tips to get the cheapest holiday to Greece

Summer sun holidays wouldn't be the same without visiting the fabulous Greece. This country is a traditional and extremely popular holiday destination on the map of Europe as it offers rich history and diverse regional culture, splendid food, great hospitality and varied accommodation with good facilities. Holidaying on Greek mainland as well as one of the islands, is sure to leave you filled with memorable experiences.

Greece offers hundreds of destinations both on the mainland and her islands. The climate is mild and the main season usually starts in May and finishes at the end of October. The Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean coastline bear different hallmarks with sand and shingle beaches, sheltered rocky coves, numerous inlets and little islets dotted in the sparkling blue seas. The nature is unspoilt here, with fragrant olive and citrus groves carpeting the green rolling hills. Apart from the sun, you can relish in Greek culture, admire its architecture, wonder around characterful little towns and villages with white washed houses lined with colourful flowery patios. Discover the ancient sites, the many historical churches and mingle with the hospitable and friendly locals who will make you feel at home.

Holidaymakers can find everything and anything in Greece. Whether you are traveling on a budget or you have decided to have a quality holiday, this country offers cozy family-run hotels as well as large all inclusive holiday complexes with sporting, dining and entertainment facilities and luxury boutique hotels providing you with bespoke service. If you crave seclusion, why not visit one of the less populated islands like Kefalonia and lose yourself in its wonderful countryside? Looking for a party scene? Then Corfu or Rhodes will offer the illuminated streets and disco bars operating till the early morning hours. No matter if you are six or sixty, Greece offers something for everyone.

Greece belongs to the list of those countries where you don't need to break the bank to have a great time. Package holidays to Greece are a popular way of travel and the best value holidays. How to find the best holiday bargains to Greece? Here are some handy tips for you.

1. Book your holiday early in advance if you know your preferred dates and destination. This way you will benefit from the many early-bird discount offers.

2. If you choose to leave your holiday reservation to the last minute, be prepared to fly from different regional airports in the UK as the special offers vary remarkably depending on the late availability. A little flexibility on the dates might also help you save some extra pounds.

3. Shopping around and comparing prices of various tour operators, travel agents, internet holiday sites and teletext will leave you with more price options. As the travel market is so competitive nowadays, many of them are likely to price match for you if you give them the details of the best holiday deal you have found so far.

4. Traditional package holiday will most probably be the best bargain no matter which destination in Greece you choose. It is also completely hassle free option as your flights, airport transfers and chosen accommodation will be included.

5. Self catering tends to be the most popular board option in Greece, however give all inclusive a chance, especially if you are travelling with children, and you will appreciate the great value you are getting.

6. Try to avoid the busy and popular holiday times when travelling to Greece as these are usually the most expensive. Just a day or two either side of peak time will surprise you with a huge decrease in price!

7. Low cost airlines have expanded their destination lists to some of the Greek islands, so why not try and see if booking your accommodation, flights and transfers separately works out at much lower cost?

8. If you give your travel agent a chance to research the best available prices for you, you might also take advantage from great service and the extra loyalty discounts they can offer.

9. Finding the best bargain online should be followed by instant online booking whenever possible, meaning that you can have your holiday at least 5% cheaper with some internet holiday companies.

10. Looking into special introductory offers for some new hotels in Greece could also be a way of getting a good value on a luxury holiday.

Thinking of Traveling in Greece? This Travel Guide will Help You

Greece is an easy place to visit and enjoy, as no immunizations are needed and credit cards work great. There are ample ATM machines with instructions in English. Almost everyone in Greece speaks at least some English. The recommendation is to pack lightly as shopping is part of the fun in Greece with extensive variety and styles available. If you are from a small list of countries, you will need a VISA. This list can be found at the Greek consulate or embassy. In planning your trip, it is good to work with a knowledgeable Greek at a travel agency.

If you plan to see the Greek islands, ferry boats are the best way to do this. They are inexpensive, relaxing scenic. If you plan to go to some of the farther islands, the ferries usually leave in the evening. You will want to book a cabin ahead of time as it is nice to go to sleep in your cabin and wake up in the morning on your Island of destination. During the week of Easter, around August 15th and Fridays in July and August, these ferries are quite full. It is best to plan you trips in advance to be sure to get a space.

Also plan to stay in Athens a couple days before your flight leaves as the ferries can sometimes have mechanical problems and you could miss your flight if you were relying on the ferry to get you there directly at flight time. There is not always direct access between every island. Sometimes a trip to another island may require a trip to the mainland first. Two, Three, Four and Five island combination packages are available. Each Greek Island offers unique enjoyments and beauty. Here is a summary of the main islands and their appeal.

Sifnos - This is Great island for children as the beach at Karmari is shallow. There are many cafes and restaurants near. Located here is one the the most beautiful beach towns in Greece, Platyialos.

Lesvos - A country in itself, it is the third largest island and contains mountains, two inland seas, pine forests, and olive groves. The seas provide a wide variety of marine and wildlife. It is a great place for birdwatching. It also contains medieval castles, ancient ruins and a Turkish bazaar-like city market.

Santorini - This is the number one destination in Greece. It has a giant volcanic caldera whose drama rivals that of the Grand Canyon and is known for its beautiful romantic sunsets. It is great for honeymooners.

Ios - This island is great for people under 25. It is known as a perpetual party place for the young.

Mykonos - Visited by almost every famous person, it has many white cube houses and amazing beaches. The famous clothing-optional Paradise Beach is there.

Rhodes - The southern part of this island is a mecca for windsurfers. Rhodes also contains the walled fortress of the castle of the knights of Saint John and has great beaches, nightlife and some of the most beautiful scenery in Greece.

Paros - This island is famous for watersports and is the windsurfing capital of the Greek Islands.

Mainland Greece is best explored by taxi or a share limos which can be less costly then large tours.

Some great places to see on the mainland are the region of Peloponessos which is known as the true Greece. It is known for its great beaches, seas, mountains, and rich archeological sights. It has interesting towns such as Githeon and the Byzantine city of Mystras overlooking Sparta. Other attractions are the Diros Caves and the volcano at Saritorini. The Mount Pelion Peninsula is known as the Colorado Rockies of the Aegean.

Athens is a place you must see if visiting Greece. Transportation is easy with access to buses, taxis and ferries. The metro station will get you to the island ferries. You might want to stay in the number of towns bordering the Acropolis. The Monastiriki Flea Market, Atticka Zoological Park and Museums such as the Benaki Museum and National museums are places to see.. The downtown area is a shoppers paradise with access to inexpensive gold jewelry. Greece offers a world of entertainment in itself. About everything you would want to see or do on a vacation can be found there.

Soar 2000 Greek Islands and Islets by Yacht

Greece has been at the top of the traveling list for many years now. With all its islands surrounded by the amazingly clear blue of the Mediterranean Sea traveling around before was a bit of a challenge and not so convenient. Luckily, in present time there are several ways to find Greek yacht charters to spread the sea from one island to the next. Finding a yacht charter to travel around the Greek islands is made simple and along with the yacht a high quality service is provided.

There are many yacht charter companies looking to help with the decision of one's trip around Greece, to make the voyage more incredible than ever imagined. One can go online and see the many options. What is great is that one can read all about the company online and view comments from clients to make their choice easily.

Almost all companies, online, will have a membership area where one can keep in touch with others, see what is going on or just get an idea of past experiences. Within the membership area one can go to its facebook group, an updated section, see picture comments and more. Once deciding on the ideal company the next thought will probably be about the yacht. Most of us are not at all familiar with yachts, how they run, or where anything is located on one.

Never had sea experience? Do not fret. The yacht will have a very well experienced skipper and crew. Often the itineraries are organized for one to two weeks; however, one could always extend this if longing for a lengthy trip. This allows for a less stressful and no risk vacation time. Advice is given, for free, about the yacht itself, dealing with locations or other aspects.

Now feeling comfortable with the yachts one should begin to contemplate which islands to see, where on the islands and in what order. The captain and crew will be very helpful to any questions. However, try to get an idea through research. The Greek islands are broken down into sections because there are so many. An interesting fact that many may not know is that there are more Greek islands free of inhabitants than those with a high volume of activity. The Cyclades Islands, made up of 11 islands, the Dodecanese, six islands, the Eastern Aegean Sea, five islands, the Sporades islands, three islands, the Ionian islands, six islands, the Saronic Gulf, four islands, the Crete island, four islands, and so much more. More than 2,000 Greek islands and islets, 169 inhabited, are easiest seen by boat, of course.

Travel to Greek islands by yacht to get the best possible experience and have the opportunity to see more islands and islets than most. Paros Island, Greece, Cyclades where the beaches are sandy washing up sparklingly clear water have a traditional atmosphere of white cubic village houses and narrow alleys; and, known mostly for its unique marble. The nightlife here arouses exciting interest. Kos Island, Greece, Dodecanese is the second most popular while being the third largest and is very well organized for tourists. However, the tourist ambiance does not take away from the charm of its alluring villages and sandy beaches with a rocky background. Excursions are available here while also rich in architecture, history, museums and more.

Those are only a few ideas of the hundreds, into the thousands, of islands and islets that one can voyage to by yacht. Be prepared to open up the door to a lifetime opportunity. To travel Greek islands by yacht one will reach Greece like never before. The only thing left to do is plan the trip!

Travel Insurance to Warning Free Greece

Europe is the new desirable destination for personal, business and student travel. When traveling, for variable reasons, one must focus on the most important aspect of any voyage: insurance. This may be a thought pushed to the side as other preparations take precedence, such as exact location, travel details, packing - what to take and what not to take, etc. However, once in the area of destination anything can happen. It is best to be as prepared as possible. Take the time to read some of the latest insurance tips for travel, specifically to Greece. The destination point will be Greece; however, the tips will be helpful with traveling throughout all of Europe.

Studying abroad is becoming more popular and especially in Europe. With the added experience to add to resumes to a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten, students are taking extra steps to see that they are receiving as much knowledge, world knowledge, as possible. Having this in mind realize that these students are entering a new culture and this means a completely new way of living. Insurance is a crucial element to be sure that one will get the same treatment in the new country as their citizens. There are many travel insurance companies for students that are inexpensive, set out to genuinely help, and have great benefits. Often students are even reimbursed for prescribed medicines. An example of student travel insurance is HTH insurance.

This same company also provides travel insurance in general whether it is for business or pleasure. One can simply get a price quote before signing up with the insurance company and once an acceptable quote is found take the next steps. The next step could be one of a few different things. It is a good idea to check out any travel warnings that may have been issued. Online the travel insurance company of choice will have a link leading to all warnings. At this moment there are no warnings against Greece. After looking at any warnings one should research what to do in emergency situations, all can be found online. It is important to have already located the U.S. Embassy in said destination. Also, be sure to look upon the health and safety issues page. Families, including those with children, need to be aware of any issues concerning them which can be found online, such as adoption, child protection and abduction.

Having the insurance is the first major step of being precautious and prepared. Still one needs to take it upon themselves to be aware of the destination rules, regulations, ways of being, or any information regarding the country specifically. As for Greece, one can see entry or exit requirements, safety and security, crime, information for victims of crime, medical facilities and health information, medical insurance, traffic safety and road conditions, aviation safety oversight, special circumstances, criminal penalties, children's issues and registration or embassy location. 

It is even urged by the Department of State that before Americans leave the country they consult their medical insurance company to be sure that their insurance works abroad and what exactly will be covered in case of any emergencies. This section will be helpful in other ways as well, such as road conditions. In Greece all motorbikers must wear helmets as some roads are poorly maintained or narrow. In case of road emergencies, in need of towing, roadside services are also available such as ELPA which is similar to that of AAA with a phone number used nation-wide 10400.

Hospitals in Greece are adequate as many of their trained doctors studied in the U.S. and can be found even in private hospitals. The Department of State can be helpful in areas concerning certain vaccinations or for further in-depth tips on particular circumstances.