Potted octopus with multi coloured peppers, almonds and dried figs

A lot of people fast the period of Lent but it doesn't mean that they can't or haven't the option of tasty recipes to enjoy! So, don't hesitate to try out new ideas using nutritious and delicious seafood! Mussels, octopus, squids and cuttlefish are only a few of the sea treasures you can bring to your kitchen creating hearty and filling meals for the whole family!!

3-cheeses fluffy cheese pie with phyllo

Another version of Greek cheese pie. This time three different traditional Greek cheeses are used and a surprising ingredient which is the key for such a fluffy pie which you'll see makes the pie look and feel like a souflé. You have the option of using the customary commercial phyllo pastry or your favourite homemade dough for pies, which you'll turn into medium-thickness pastry sheets. There is also the option, as many of you know by now, that there is a commercial version of thicker (than the usual thin) phyllo sheets

Easy Springtime greens and shrimp salad with mildly spiced dressing

An easy but beautiful, refreshing and so tasty recipe to serve as a first dish or as a shared salad. And I might call it "Springtime" but of course it can be served all way through the Summer months. The shrimps can be replaced with king prawns if you prefer

Lenten Halvas with two flours and almonds

The popular traditional dessert in a different version since this time, beside the customary semolina, plain flour is added as well giving a very interesting and different texture to the Halvas. I've done this recipe 2-3 times so far and we did like it (as did others who had the chance to try it) but, personally, I think I prefer the old good fully-semolina version. Old habits don't change easily...

Fried octopus with "crushed" potatoes

Try this different recipe for a beloved seafood dish. The potatoes are cooked based on a traditional recipe coming from the Greeks of the Black Sea (Efxinos Pontos). If you are not a fan of octopus you could use squids instead. This is a great recipe for those who fast and they need something filling and tasty during the Lent period but of course it is a recipe for everybody and for all seasons

One-pot chicken ragoût with fennel, red peppers and potatoes braised in light tomato sauce

Simple but delicious light chicken recipe to enjoy one of the most aromatic root vegetables, fennel! A nice family-friendly Sunday meal which can be served as it is or along with a white fluffy rice pilaf . The fact that it is one of those one-pot meals makes it really attractive because it is easier and saves us plenty of time