Who Knew Greek was So Easy?

One of my first jobs was in a Greek restaurant. I can't say that I always enjoyed that job, but I did enjoy trying all the new (to me) foods there. In the short time I worked there I developed a love for Greek food that has stayed with me. That love has only been indulged in Greek restaurants, or at Greek festivals. I never tried to make any of it at home, until very recently.

The theme for our homeschool co-op this semester is the Olympics. My job this semester is to provide a snack, and to read aloud to a group of students. The setting of the book I'm reading is an early Greek Olympics. I'm sure you can see where this is going. I've gotten brave, and attempted my first Greek food at home.

Last night I made Spanakotyropita (spinach pie with cheese.) The recipe uses commercially made phyllo dough, and is super easy! I made it even easier by using frozen spinach. Simply thaw and drain the spinach then add the other ingredients.

Due to inclement weather our co-op was canceled this morning. When I mentioned to Tim that it looked like we'd be having spinach pie for dinner, he quickly asked, "Well are you going to make baklava?" I hadn't planned on it, but I did have some dough left. Purely out of the desire to please my husband, (It really had nothing to do with my own love for that wonderfully sticky and flaky delicacy.) I looked at a few recipes this afternoon. Wouldn't you know baklava looked just as easy to make as the spinach pie (using prepared dough of course.) This afternoon we made a half batch of a recipe at Allrecipes; Baklava. It was so easy.

Throw in a side of rice, and we will be feasting on Greek favorites tonight! The only thing I can't figure out is why I ever waited so long to try them! Hmmm...what Greek favorite should I try next?

Image courtesy of flickr.