Category Archives: Sweets

Krema: A Bowl of Cinnamon-Scented Childhood Growing up, this was the kind of sweet my mother would make without a second thought. No planning, no fuss, just a small pot on the stove, a few humble ingredients, and within minutes, something warm and soothing would appear. It wasn’t extravagant, but it didn’t need to be. Krema has a quiet kind of magic. As it cooks, the scent of milk, vanilla, and sometimes a hint of orange gently fills the kitchen. But it’s the final touch, a generous dusting of cinnamon over the hot custard, that truly defines it. That aroma, rising up in soft, spiced warmth, instantly takes me back to childhood. To being cared for. To something made just for me. Krema is, at its heart, simply custard. But calling it that never quite captures what it means in a Greek home. It’s comfort. It’s ease. It’s the kind […]

There’s something so special about a dessert that comes together so simply, yet feels completely luxurious. This Glyko Psigiou, also known as icebox cake is a classic no-bake fridge cake. In my version, there are layers of biscuits softened in fragrant mastiha liqueur, folded between a rich pistachio cream and a vibrant sour cherry ripple. It’s the kind of sweet that doesn’t rely on baking or complicated techniques. Instead, it slowly transforms in the fridge as the biscuits soften and everything settles into a perfectly sliceable, cake-like texture. The result? Creamy, nutty, slightly tangy, and beautifully aromatic with that subtle hint of mastiha. It may not be as widely known as other desserts, but its simplicity and flavour make it something truly special. The kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly elegant. This is one of those desserts that quietly impresses. Simple to make, but unforgettable in flavour. […]

The name Amygdalota tis Haras translates to “Almond Pears of Joy,” a title that beautifully reflects the charming appearance of these traditional Greek sweets. Despite what the name suggests, there are no actual pears involved, the reference comes from their delicate, pear like shape and tender, chewy texture. In my version of the recipe, I’ve made a few flavourful changes: I’ve skipped the mastiha and replaced the classic almonds with vibrant, aromatic pistachios. Ground pistachios, brightened with a hint of orange zest for extra depth. The dough is shaped into small, elegant pear forms, baked until lightly set, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. These pistachio based treats remain naturally gluten-free, making them a wonderful option for those with dietary restrictions, while their gentle sweetness keeps them refined rather than sugary. The simplicity of the ingredients is part of their charm, a homage to the long Greek tradition […]

Greek Ekmek Kataifi: A Light, Dreamy Dessert Layered With Tradition If there’s one dessert that captures the elegance of Greek pastry while still feeling wonderfully rustic and home-baked, it’s Ekmek Kataifi. With its crisp, buttery kataifi base, silky custard, aromatic syrup, and a cloudlike topping of Chantilly cream, this dessert is a celebration of textures. Crunchy, creamy, velvety, and beautifully fragrant. It’s the kind of sweet that makes an entrance at family gatherings, Easter tables, or summer dinners, but it’s surprisingly approachable to make at home. The trick is simply layering each component with care… and letting the fridge finish the magic. Below, you’ll find my full recipe, made exactly the way I prepare it in my kitchen, with optional touches like mastica, or pistachios to make it uniquely yours. Let’s bake! Why You’ll Love This Ekmek Kataifi Aromatic syrup infused with citrus, cinnamon, and honey Silky, homemade custard that […]

Rafiolia | Discovering Mykonos’ Sweetest Secret When people think of Mykonos, they often imagine whitewashed houses, turquoise waters, and glamorous beach clubs. But hidden behind the island’s cosmopolitan charm is a culinary heritage full of warmth, simplicity, and heart. During my stay at Villa Amra, with I Wish Mykonos I had the chance to experience that side of Mykonos firsthand during our Live Like a Local cooking session with the wonderful Irini Zouganeli. That’s where I was introduced to Rafiolia, a little-known traditional dessert that captures the island’s essence in every golden, honey-drizzled bite. What Are Rafiolia? Rafiolia (ραφιόλια) are small, crescent-shaped fried pastries filled with a sweet cheese mixture and finished with a generous drizzle of local honey, and cinnamon. They’re crisp on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and carry the bright aroma of orange zest and vanilla. Traditionally, they’re made for festive occasions or shared […]

Loukoumades Paralias – The Ultimate Greek Beach Snack There’s nothing quite like the sound of waves crashing on a hot Greek summer’s day—except maybe the unforgettable call of the man walking along the beach shouting: “DOUGHNUTS! DOUGHNUTSSSS!” If you’ve spent even a single summer on a Greek beach, you know the moment. You’re half-asleep under the umbrella, your skin warm from the sun, the smell of sunscreen thick in the air—then you hear him, like clockwork. And suddenly, nothing sounds better than a fluffy, sugar-dusted doughnut pulled straight from a paper bag, still warm from the fryer. For me, it’s the ultimate beach snack—especially with an ice-cold Freddo cappuccino in hand. Perfection. These loukoumades paralias (literally “beach doughnuts”) are my take on that perfect summer treat. They’re impossibly light, perfectly fluffy, and coated in a generous layer of white sugar that sticks to your fingers in the best way. And […]

Pasteli – Greek Honey & Sesame Bars with Ancient Roots and Sweet Family Memories Some recipes carry more than just flavour, they carry generations of tradition and the warmth of cherished memories. Pasteli, the beloved Greek honey and sesame bar, is one of those recipes for me. Made with just honey, sesame seeds, and pistachios, this simple yet powerful sweet treat dates back to Ancient Greece. Known then as “kandí” or “gastris,” versions of this nourishing bar were consumed by warriors and athletes for energy and strength. Centuries later, we’re still enjoying it, not only as a delicious snack but as a direct link to our ancestors’ kitchens. A Sweet Memory from My Childhood As much as I love Pasteli for its simplicity and taste, it also holds a very special place in my heart because of my Papou Michali and Yiayia Kiki. Every time they visited us from Greece, […]