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.

After attending several events in Long Island, NY, USA last week for the 250th anniversary celebrations, I must admit it has offered a new insight into a rich historical world. It has given me a fresh perspective to delve deeper into the region's abundant historical heritage and has rekindled my interest in the colonial era, especially its culinary traditions.

If you've ever struggled to find a reliable chocolate brownie recipe that delivers rich, fudgy results every time, this post is for you. After more years than I want to remember of making this recipe I think, I can confidently say it has become my favorite for quick, easy, and reliably delicious brownies. Whether you need a treat for a family event or a simple dessert to curb your chocolate cravings, this recipe will not disappoint.

One of the Danish customs my grandmother incorporated into our family's Christmas specialties were the Danish Aebleskiver, or Danish pancake balls. These delicious treats have been a cherished part of my family’s Christmas tradition for as long as I can remember. Yet, their charm extends well beyond the festive season. Aebleskiver are perfect year-round, whether enjoyed as a comforting breakfast, a playful snack, or a sweet dessert. Below, you'll discover my family’s recipe a

Spending Christmas and New Year in Iceland with family and friends feels like a genuine gift. The holiday season here is unlike anywhere else at this time of year! The country's festive spirit shines brightest during the darkest months, as candlelight and Christmas lights turn every corner into a warm, inviting space.

With the holiday season fast approaching, finding dishes that are both impressive and simple to make becomes essential. This festive smoked salmon tabouli ball recipe paired with vibrant pesto fits the bill perfectly. Whether you are aiming for a standout luncheon dish or elegant appetizers, these flavorful balls add a touch of freshness and sophistication to your holiday table.