If you are part of or have spent time with a traditional Greek family, you know that Greek mothers, grandmothers, and other older female relatives will rarely, if ever, let you in the kitchen to cook anything for them. If you walk in the kitchen, you'll either be fed or shooed out until you're fed. But times are changing and many Greek families will observe this celebration of Mom with breakfast in bed or a home-cooked brunch ... without Mom in the kitchen! Try one or more of these fabulous Greek recipes geared toward younger cooks for your Mother's Day celebration.
1-2-3 Orange Sweet - Oranges with Honey
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Substitute an everyday glass of orange juice with the delightful sweet taste of oranges drizzled with fabulous Greek honey (thyme or orange blossom). 1 step, 2 ingredients, 3 minutes to make. (Optionally, top of with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.)
Aliki's Pizza
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This recipe is for homemade pizza with bacon, tomatoes, ham, peppers, and cheese toppings. Easy for kids to make with pita bread as the base, or using the dough in the recipe, and it's my granddaughter's (Aliki's) favorite.
Butter Cookie Twists
N. Gaifyllia
At home, we generally make these in ring or spiral shapes, but they can be easily formed into any shape by creative hands. Because the cookies are small and the strips of dough are fun to work with, kids have a great time coming up with their own shapes.
Feta Cheese Pie - Pita me Feta
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Different than the more well-known "cheese pies" made with phyllo dough, this is a delicious pie similar to a quiche, made with feta cheese, eggs, and yogurt. Very easy to make.
Feta-Filled Croissants
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
These delightful croissants are not sweet, and make a wonderful addition to the breakfast, brunch, buffet, or cocktail table. Use commercial croissant dough, or make the dough in the recipe for a light, delicious taste.
Greek Medallion Pancakes - Tiganites
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Similar to small pancakes, these light, crispy medallion-sized treats are a delight served with honey or petimezi... or with syrup, preserves, or a creative topping of your own design.
Microwave Feta & Tomato Side Dish
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This is a quick and easy variation of an old standard cooked in the oven. Time will depend on your microwave power, but shouldn't take more than two minutes! This is especially good as a side with egg dishes!
Potato & Feta Omelet
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This hearty main dish omelet always seems to be a family favorite. Make it with leftover french fries or fry up a fresh batch for a wonderful taste combination.
Sesame Honey Spread - Tahinomelo
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
A simple and easy combination of honey and tahini, this no-cook recipe has fewer calories than peanut butter, and it's healthy and delicious. Try spreading Tahinomelo on whole grain bread or toast, or in a sandwich with slices of banana.
Yogurt with Honey or Preserves
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This is often eaten in Greek homes to start the day and to end the day. Equally delightful as breakfast or dessert, thick Greek yogurt is topped with honey, preserves, or Greek Spoon Sweets. Easy enough for the youngest cooks who can get creative with toppings.