Some cakes feel like home before the first bite. For me, those cakes have always been made with dairy products such as thick Icelandic skyr, tangy yoghurt, soft cottage cheese & the kind of simple cheese filling that bakes into something tender, pale, and comforting. I loved these flavors from childhood. My mother made cheese and yoghurt cakes wherever we lived, and I carried that taste with me from country to country. No matter where I've lived, yoghurt cakes have always be

Cold weather cooking should do more than fill a bowl. It should warm the kitchen, make the house smell like dinner, and reward a little patience with something deeply nourishing. That is exactly where Icelandic lamb and vegetable soup shines. Recipes vary from kitchen to kitchen, but the heart of it stays the same: lamb on the bone, sturdy vegetables, and a clear, savory broth. This version keeps that spirit while using ingredients that are easy to find in many kitchens aroun

Some of the best moments in Reykjavík happen just outside the busy center, where the city gives way to sea air, lava rocks, birdlife, and long views across the water. Grótta, at the tip of Seltjarnarnes, is one of those places. It feels peaceful without being remote, wild without being difficult to reach, and it gives you a slower kind of Reykjavík experience. A walk around Grótta Lighthouse is simple, beautiful, and easy to pair with a meal at Ráðagerði, a nearby restaurant.

Some places do not need to surprise you to win you over again. Nafplio is one of them. It has the sea, the castles, the narrow streets, the old stone houses, and the kind of food that makes a short visit feel generous. On my recent trip, I did not go looking for a completely new Nafplio. I went back to rediscover favorite corners: the local beaches, the castle views, the renovated Bourzi fortress, the cafés by the water, and those taverns where the best meal is shared slowly,

ome day trips feel like a quick escape. Others feel like you accidentally stepped into a different rhythm of life before lunch. That was the biggest surprise when I compared my trip to Block Island this summer with my Fire Island day trip last summer. Both are beachy, ferry-forward, and perfect when you want salt air without committing to a full holiday. But they are not the same kind of getaway.

A short New York City Adventure can feel impossible to plan because every neighborhood pulls you in a different direction. One moment you want skyline views from the water, the next you want Broadway lights, Central Park paths, Greenwich Village lunch, Queens history, and a Ground Zero tour that gives the city’s story real weight. This Blog post highlights what I and a dear friend from Greece visiting the USA did and truly enjoyed!

When I was a kid, waffles were my idea of heaven on a plate served with homemade jam, lots of sweetened whipped cream and when available, fresh wild berries . . as a treat or dessert, the Icelandic way! My mother, however, had other ideas of how we should enjoy our waffles! As a home economist who believed in healthy and nutritious cooking, she always made the waffle batter without sugar and often served us the waffles with savory toppings for breakfast or weekend brunch!

Some summer meals stay with you because the food is good. Others stay with you because everything lands at once: the sound of a warm welcome and more friends arriving, the first cold glass of Prosecco, the smell of lemon and seafood, and that easy moment when everyone finally slips into the pool. This was that kind of Pool Party!

Some places ask you to slow down before you even take a seat. One Woman Wines & Vineyards on Long Island felt like that kind of place from the moment I arrived. The air seemed quieter there. The rows of vines, the soft rhythm of the countryside, and the simple pleasure of a glass of wine made the visit feel less like an outing to check off a list and more like a pause I had needed.

Summer ushers in the pleasure of fresh vegetables, and this season, I'm back on Long Island enjoying my friend's vegetable garden in Mattituck, which has provided us with this year's initial eggplant harvest. Mattituck's climate is perfect for growing eggplants as the mix of warm days and cool nights help them develop a rich color and tender texture. Picking these shiny gems is always exciting but coming up with a straightforward delicious summer eggplant recipe was truly rew

Laugarás Lagoon offers a rare combination of natural warmth, peaceful surroundings, and excellent dining. It’s a place where visitors can relax deeply, enjoy good company, and taste authentic Icelandic flavors all in one visit. The lagoon’s commitment to preserving its environment while providing comfort makes it a model for sustainable tourism.

Exploring Thessaloniki offers more than just a dive into its historical wealth and vibrant city life. On my recent trip to Thessaloniki with friends from Iceland, our adventure extended beyond exploring the city's historical depth and lively character, as we also indulged in two refreshing coastal escapes nearby. One day se relaxed at the Peraia Beach and on another day we sailed to Ammoulinia Island, Banana Beach, and the stunning Blue Lagoon near Chalkidiki.

If you want a refreshing, creamy treat that’s both healthy and simple to make, this avocado banana yogurt ice cream is a perfect choice. It combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the smooth texture of avocado and the tangy creaminess of yogurt. This recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free dessert at home.

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant street life. Exploring its historical landmarks on foot with our local guide, Panagiota Triantafyllopoulou, added depth to the experience, uncovering stories behind the stones and traditions. This post takes you on a walking tour starting at Pirgos Trigoniou, moving through the historic Ano Poli, visiting UNESCO-listed sites like Agia Sofia and the White Tower, exploring & the l

Over 20 years ago, I stumbled upon Diporto, a hidden gem amidst the bustling city of Athens. Located just a short distance from the Varvakios Central Market, Diporto, which translates to "two entrances," is an enomagereio—an inn offering homemade food and wine. I still vividly recall descending into this underground tavern for the first time and sitting at a modest wooden table, surrounded by century-old wine barrels that were said to be the proud custodians of a bygone tradi

After a warm and joyful Greek Easter celebration in Achladokampo, my friend Georgia and I chose to drive to Agios Petros, a picturesque mountain village located along the Epar. Od Tripolis road in the Peloponnese. This delightful village offers a peaceful retreat with its authentic local culture, traditional foods, and friendly shops. I'm pleased to share that our visit once more unveiled a side of Greece that I truly cherish, full of genuine flavors and heartfelt hospitality

Spending Greek Easter in the mountain village of Achladokampo, Peloponnese, offers more than just beautiful scenery and warm hospitality. It also provides a chance to connect with nature’s gifts, like wild asparagus freshly picked from the surrounding hills. After returning to Athens with a generous bunch gifted by a local who knew my fondness for asparagus, I created a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the spirit of that celebration.

Fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, this arugula and red beet salad offers a perfect balance of taste and health benefits. Combining peppery arugula, earthy red beets, crunchy pistachio kernels, sliced scallions, fresh dill, and delicate microgreens, this salad is a vibrant dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. The optional balsamic mustard dressing with herbs and honey adds a tangy-sweet finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Cooking with fresh vegetables and herbs offers a simple way to enjoy nutritious meals that are both flavorful and satisfying. Veggie bakes bring out the natural sweetness and textures of fresh produce, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without spending hours in the kitchen! In this post I'm sharing some of my favorite and easy2make recipes.

A Greek lentil soup is one of my favorite winter soups, combining robust flavors with nutritious ingredients to brighten even the chilliest days. This traditional dish is both satisfying and rich in nutrients, making it a great choice for those looking to stay healthy while enjoying a tasty meal.