Kourabiedes — Traditional Greek Almond Cookies

Commonly enjoyed during the festive season, Kourabiedes are delicate, buttery almond cookies that are dusted generously with powdered sugar. A beloved staple in Greek households, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for creating the sweetest of memories.

Ingredients

• 2 cups seed oil
• 1 1/3 cups almonds blanched and roasted
• 3 tablespoons icing sugar
• 6 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• rose water
• powdered sugar

Preparation Method

To make Kourabiedes, begin by beating the oil and sugar together until well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract, followed by gradually incorporating the flour. Finally, fold in the crushed almonds. Shape the dough into small balls and bake in a medium-heat oven until they become beige in color. Once baked, remove them from the oven, sprinkle with rose water, and generously dust with icing sugar for a festive, sweet finish.

Melomakarona — Traditional Greek Honey Cookies

Soaked in honey, infused with cinnamon, orange zest, and topped with crushed walnuts, Melomakarona are a delicious embodiment of Greek holiday traditions. Share these tasty treats with your loved ones and watch their eyes light up with joy at their delightful sweetness and merry essence.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sunflower oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cognac
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 8 cups (approximately) all-purpose flour

For the Syrup

• 2 cups honey
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon wedge
• Honey and chopped walnuts, for garnishing

Preparation Method

Combine all liquid ingredients and baking soda (pre-mixed with orange juice) in a large basin and whisk well. Add cinnamon, sugar, and gradually incorporate the flour, mixing by hand just enough so the dough doesn’t become stiff. Shape the dough into oval balls, gently pressing each on top with a fork. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes.

For the syrup, add the water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and lemon wedge to a cooking pot and boil for 4-5 minutes. Once the Melomakarona cool, dip them in warm syrup for 2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a serving dish. Garnish with a little honey and crushed walnuts.

Smoked Salmon Tart

Add a modern twist to your holiday menu with this scrumptious savory offering. The Smoked Salmon Tart will bring an exquisite touch to your table and infuse any festive gathering with a new level of sophistication and flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces savory tart dough
• 4.4 ounces (about 1 cup) tender spinach leaves
• 7 ounces smoked salmon
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• A pinch of ground nutmeg

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the dough into a 9-inch tart tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Cover the dough with baking paper, add dry beans to weigh it down, and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove the paper and beans, then let it cool. Blanch 3.5 ounces of spinach in boiling water until soft, drain, and squeeze out excess water. Layer the smoked salmon pieces and blanched spinach onto the tart base, then cover with the remaining fresh spinach. Beat eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then pour over the tart filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, remove, cool, slice, and serve with green salad.

Pork with Chestnuts

Stay warm during the festive season with this cherished Greek holiday dish. A hearty stew that blends tender pork with sweet, earthy chestnuts, this soulful platter is guaranteed to bring your guests together in celebration of tradition and taste.

Ingredients

(Serves 4 People)

• 2.2 pounds pork
• 1 leek, sliced into rings
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound chestnuts
• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 bay leaf
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Method

Start by washing the meat and chestnuts. Boil the chestnuts in a cooking pot with plenty of water, then peel and set them aside. Cut the meat into pieces and sauté in olive oil on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion and leek for 5 minutes, then add flour and salt. Return the meat to the pot and pour lemon juice over it. Wait for 1 minute before adding the bay leaf, pepper, and a little water, then simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add the peeled chestnuts and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Enjoy!

Rooted in Greek tradition and full of heart-warming flavor, each of these appetizing recipes is guaranteed to delight your loved ones and fill you home with festive cheer and holiday spirit. Enjoy making them, tasting them, and above all: sharing them!

The post Savor the Season: Michelin-Star Greek Recipes for the Holidays appeared first on Blog | Travelive.

Greece: Kourabiedes, Melomakarona & Vasilopita

The Treats: Greeks know how to do holiday cookies right; with Kourabiedes (almond shortbread coated in powdered sugar) and Melomakarona (spiced, honey-drenched cookies topped with walnuts). As for New Year’s Day, it’s all about Vasilopita, a cake baked with a hidden coin that brings fortune to the lucky finder.

The Tradition: Greek families compete to see who has the “best” Kourabiedes recipe, and rumour has it that if your powdered sugar mountain isn’t visible from space, you haven’t added enough! Vasilopita, meanwhile, adds a layer of suspense, as everyone hopes to snag the slice with the lucky coin — and maybe “forget” that it puts them in charge of next year’s cake.

Served With: For the cookies, Rakomelo (warm Rakija with honey) adds a smooth, cozy touch. As for the Vasilopita, Greeks welcome the New Year by toasting to good fortune usually with a glass of red wine.

Italy: Panettone, Struffoli & Pandoro

The Treats: Italy’s holiday table is graced with Panettone, a towering, fluffy loaf filled with dried fruits; Struffoli, tiny honey-soaked dough balls with sprinkles; and Pandoro, a star-shaped cake, dusted with powdered sugar that looks like it was crafted by holiday elves.

The Tradition: Panettone, famously from Milan, was reportedly created by a lovesick baker trying to woo his boss’s daughter. (It worked!) Struffoli, meanwhile, are just small enough to sneak one, two… or a dozen! Pandoro, Italy’s answer to the Christmas star, is a favourite because of its light sweetness, and each family has its own way of “perfectly” dusting it with sugar — which is not up for debate!

Served With: Italians love pairing Panettone and Pandoro with spumante or prosecco, while limoncello nicely compliments the honey-rich Struffoli.

Switzerland: Tirggel & Bûche de Noël

The Treats: In Switzerland, every holiday is made sweeter with Tirggel, wafer-thin honey cookies embossed with detailed designs, and Bûche de Noël, the Swiss take on the famous Yule log cake.

The Tradition: Tirggel is known for its intricate details; depicting everything from pastoral scenes to Swiss landmarks. Yet Tirggel isn’t for the faint of heart, as locals say it’s harder than Swiss chocolate (and some suspect, nearly as old!). Bûche de Noël is a much softer affair, with rich chocolate cream that makes it the ultimate Swiss treat for those avoiding dental challenges.

Served With: Glühwein (spiced wine) is a wintery companion for Tirggel, while the creamy Bûche de Noël pairs perfectly with Kirsch, a cherry brandy that balances the rich chocolate.

Croatia: Fritule & Paprenjak

The Treats: Croatia’s holiday charm shines through Fritule, little fried dough balls with Rakija (brandy) and citrus zest, and Paprenjak, a honey cookie spiced with a surprising hint of black pepper.

The Tradition: Fritule, originally a seaside snack for fishermen, has become a Christmas staple that no holiday feast is complete without. Meanwhile Paprenjak, with its spice blend and dash of pepper, has families playfully arguing about the “right” amount. Some say you need just a touch; others though, go all-in, calling it “Croatia’s answer to gingerbread on steroids!”

Served With: Rakija is the classic pairing if you are in the North, offering a bold contrast to the sugary treats and adding a holiday kick to every bite. While in the south, have a sip of Prošek (not to be confused with the Italian Prosecco) with every Fritula that finds its find way into your hands.

Spain: Polvorones, Turrón & Roscón de Reyes

The Treats: Spain’s Christmas goodies include Polvorones, crumbly almond cookies that fall apart with one touch; Turrón, a sweet almond nougat; and Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake with candied fruit, traditionally eaten on January 6th for Epiphany.

The Tradition: Polvorones are an art in themselves — and a challenge to eat without turning into a powdered sugar snowman! Turrón dates back centuries, with every family claiming to know the “original recipe.” Roscón de Reyes, on the other hand, is both a dessert and a game: with a figurine and a bean hidden inside. The lucky figurine-finder gets to be “king!” As for the bean-finder, well, they’re footing the bill for next year’s Roscón!

Served With: Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine, is the holiday drink of choice, while sherry is also a popular pairing for a warm winter treat.

Portugal: Bolo Rei & Filhós

The Treats: Portugal’s Bolo Rei, or “King Cake,” is a ring of candied fruits, nuts, and sugar crystals that hides a fava bean or trinket. For an extra treat, a serving of Filhós, deep-fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, makes every Christmas table complete.

The Tradition: Bolo Rei is said to represent the gifts of the Three Wise Men, but the “wise one” is the person who doesn’t get the fava bean—because that lucky soul is buying next year’s cake! Filhós are popular throughout Portugal and are shaped in every design imaginable — from wreaths to stars, depending on the family tradition.

Served With: A glass of Port or Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) is a perfect match for Bolo Rei, while Filhós pair delightfully with Aguardente, a Portuguese brandy that will keep you warm and cozy.

A Sweet Invitation to Experience Europe’s Holiday Magic

Every dessert, from Kourabiedes in Greece to Bolo Rei in Portugal, tells a story of family, tradition, and a little bit of holiday magic. For clients craving a cultural (and culinary!) adventure, these holiday sweets are the perfect invitation to explore the festive charm of Europe and the Mediterranean; and with the right drink to go with each bite, these traditions are as sweet as they are memorable.

We encourage you to savor these holiday flavors — after all, it’s the most delicious time of the year!

The post European Christmas Treats: Sweets, Cakes, and a Few Sips for Good Measure! appeared first on Blog | Travelive.