Καλή Χρονιά!

New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Well, that’s Christmas done! As you may have noticed if you’ve been following over the last few weeks, I LOVE Christmas so, when it’s all done and dusted I’ll confess to feeling a little bit down in the dumps however, there’s two things I do whilst I have free time over the holiday period to perk myself up; the first is to book a holiday, (two weeks in Spain in July, but that’s another story!!), and plan something for New Years! Usually, New Years Eve involves being pushed and shoved in some overcrowded, over expensive club or bar in town, not this year……

I was at a little Greek restaurant I love a few months ago, it’s cheap and cheerful so I tend to go quite often and have got to know the owners, Nikos and Arianna quite well. Whilst we were there Nikos came over with the now customary bottle of Ouzo. When he sat down, he looked around conspiratorially, poured a large glass of Ouzo, then leaned in low across the table prompting me and my friend to do the same.

“We’re closed on New Years Eve but, we’re having a traditional Greek New Year’s for friends and family, would you like to come?” Well, I was initially flattered which made me blush, something I don’t do very often but then delighted! Of course, I said YES which made Nikos beam from ear to ear and tapped the glass of Ouzo suggesting that drinking it would be a suitable acknowledgement and celebration! I then had a little panic. “Oh, just us or would it be okay if we came with a few more people?” With his typical Greek frown and shrug, he said; “bring as many people as you like, the more the merrier, just let Arianna know a few weeks before.”

So, tomorrow night, myself and five friends are going Greek and I’m really looking forward to it!

I called the restaurant and spoke to Arianna at the beginning of December and she sounded super excited! “One thing though, there is no menu, we’re having a traditional Greek New Years meal, I’ll send you an email with what we’re having.” I have to say, several of the dishes I’ve not heard of but it sounds fabulous!

The Greeks celebrate New Years in style with food, drink and families at the very heart. The Greeks believe that sharing a feast on New Years will bring forth yet another healthy and prosperous year. We’re starting with Tomato and Orzo Soup; this simple tomato soup is a favourite on New Year’s Eve and is served in many Greek homes. It is typically made from fresh tomatoes, pasta, onions, olive oil, sea salt, and garlic. Although the ingredients are simple, the soup is rich with flavour and makes for a perfect start to the New Year’s feast!

Next, we’re having a bit of a meze with Humous, Tzatziki, sausages and Haloumi, the only thing I’ve not tried is Lahanosalata which is Greek cabbage salad. Greeks enjoy preparing fresh foods from the garden, especially at New Years as there is a certain symbolism around being grateful for what the earth gives back. Subsequently, this salad is always present in many tables in Greece on the New Year’s Eve. A special lemon juice and olive oil dressing is used to create an exceptional taste.

For the main course we’re having Moshari Kokkinisto, which literally translates as reddened beef stew. This stew is different than the version of the Stifado that is served throughout the year. It is a special stew that is prepared in Greek homes to stimulate people taste buds at New Year’s celebrations. It is a highly anticipated dish made from browned beef, tomato paste, and lots of other traditional ingredients such as cinnamon rosemary and nutmeg all cooked in a rich red wine sauce.

To finish we’re having we’re having Vasilopita. Vasilopita is the most anticipated New Year food in Greece. Vasilopita is New Year’s cake or bread. A small coin is usually inserted into the cake during the baking process. It is believed that the person who is going to find the coin in his or her piece of the cake will enjoy extra fortune in the New Year. Cutting of this cake is a tradition that has been held for hundreds of years. Family members and friends gather around the table as pieces of the cake are distributed to everyone who is there. Traditionally the head of the family, often the father, is the one who cuts the cake. The first piece of the cake is dedicated to Christ, the second one is dedicated to the household and the rest is for everyone present. Nobody eats until everyone has their piece, then let the coin hunting commence!!

Καλή Χρονιά!

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