Awesome

[Source: Be Food Smart]

"GrEaster"

When people hear that my sister married a Greek man, the first question they always ask is "Is it really like My Big Fat Greek Wedding?" I'd say, generally (as most movies go), that is an over-characterization. However, one scene rings absolutely accurate and true.

Remember this one?


You CANnot come between Greeks and their meats. My sister's mother-in-law instructed her about this multiple times before they were married.

For Easter this year, we wanted to do a traditional Greek Easter (or as I like to say "GrEaster"). Of course, this was centered around lamb. I have to say, my sis has mastered the lamb, making an amazing and beautiful leg.

I did the main side- spanikopita. Or as the Greeks call it, "spinach pies." I made this recipe here and I dare say it was a total and delicious success.



On the sides we had many different forms of sauteed veggies, rice (very traditional), tons of bread and wine (or sparkling grape juice for the preggos), and strawberry shortcake for dessert. That was the one American dish, but for Easter I just couldn't help myself.

Also, apparently red dyed Easter eggs are present on the table, so we included those as well.

And there you have a traditional Greek Easter meal.

Xristos Anesti!

Theirs vs. Mine

This month's "O" Magazine featured a sample grocery receipt meant to reflect how one can save money if she shops on sale and only buys what is needed.

What's wrong with this picture?

I am seriously considering writing the magazine about this. The disclaimer at the bottom says, "This reflects sale prices in the writer's area." What universe is that area in? I asked a bunch of friends from around the country (the south, midwest, northwest, Los Angeles area, etc...) via Facebook and the general consensus was that perhaps one or two things on mega discount could be priced that way, but as a whole grocery list- no chance!

Just for kicks, I looked up my last grocery receipt of "just the basics" from a conventional grocery store (QFC, which is the equivalent of Kroger). Here's what was on it:

1 lb organic strawberries $2.99

4 organic bananas (1.69 lb) $1.50

1/2 gallon organic whole milk $2.50

1 loaf bakery bread $4.69

1 lb organic butter $4.49

1.2 lb free range bone in chicken breast $4.43

5 lb bag King Arthur unbleached all purpose flour $3.99

10 pack soft taco sized flour tortillas $2.00

15 ounce can Rosarita vegetarian refried beans $1.25

Total: $30.00

Granted, I do buy most things organic (plus artisan bread), but they were on sale! I am fully convinced that buying non-organic items, even all at sale prices, would still be 2-3 times higher than that grocery list, and most likely 3-4 times more organic.

Try again, Oprah.

Politically Incorrect Grocery Stores...caught on camera

My sis just posted this on Facebook:


And I know this one's been circulating the internets for a long time, but it still cracks me up. In honor of passover...

(first photo originally from here)

Question of the day

Does the lunch in the photo above appear any healthier than the worst lunch a child could bring packed from home?

Consider while you read this article.

And that's how it's done.

Somehow the instructions being in Italian make it that much cooler. I need to find a good recipe that makes pizza dough that can be tossed around like this. Note how much flour he uses.

Fruit Cocktail Tree (I want one...)

Ah, these are so cool!


Obviously that first photo is a joke, but the idea isn't! There are real trees that are grafted to grow different kinds of fruit on the same tree. There are restrictions, for example, you can't mix apples and peaches. Most commonly, fruits of the same categories can be grown together- citrus, stone fruits, apple and pear varieties, etc...




Apparently, they also come in dwarf form, which makes them great for urban gardening because you can fit them into pots. This might be my next gardening experiment!