From My Mother

About the Book

When asking my mother for a recipe she would be more than happy to share it. Regardless of how closely I followed these though, there always seemed to be a problem with how it turned out....After a few attempts, going back and forth, I was able to narrow in on what was going wrong!

The problem was with the measurements. My mum would have "1 cup" listed however it actually wasn’t the "1 cup" we all know to be, it would be "a cup" but a greek coffee cup. You see my mother had her own measuring system. It was a beer glass, a mug, a teacup or a Greek coffee cup. So then every time I would collect a recipe I would ask which cup was she referring too.

Another challenge was when using flour mum had her "now use as much flour until you feel you have the correct texture". Initially this would frustrate me but over time I too began to bake this way. I just knew by the feel of the dough or batter that I would have a great outcome or an average one. Growing up in a Greek household and being Orthodox allowed me to enjoy and appreciate traditional dishes and Orthodox customs, so I thought by creating this book it would not only be a great keepsake but also a basic reference guide, especially now that I have correct measurements.

About the Author

When asking my mother for a recipe, she would be more than happy to give me a copy. But there always seemed to be a problem when I would try and replicate them. The problem was with the measurements. My mum would have “1 cup.” It actually wasn't the “1 cup” we all know to be, but it would be a Greek coffee cup. She had her own measuring system. It was either a beer glass, a mug, a teacup, or a Greek coffee cup. So then every time I would collect a recipe, I would have to ask her which cup she was referring to. Another obstacle I had to overcome was when baking, especially bread―there was never a correct measurement. Mum would begin with 1 cup (teacup) and then her recipe would continue with “now use as much flour until you feel you have the correct texture.” Before, this would upset me, but over time I too began to bake this way. I just knew by the feel of dough or batter that I would have a great outcome or an average one. My friends would always ask me for recipes for various feasts and celebrations throughout the year. So I thought it would be in the best interest of my kids and friends that I not only have correct measurements but also mention some of the formalities and customs of our Orthodox faith. For all formalities on Orthodox Faith, you may contact your local parish. Please enjoy.