Hero Ingredients for Healthy Cooking (Mediterranean-Inspired)

Today I’m opening my kitchen cupboards… and honestly, this is where healthy cooking really begins. Not with complicated recipes, but with a few well-chosen, everyday ingredients—my hero ingredients.

These are simple, everyday staples that bring both flavor and nutrition, that I use all the time, and they are at the heart of Mediterranean cooking. You’ll find them in many recipes on my blog and throughout my book Vivian is Cooking GREEK, available worldwide on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover.

Here are my heroes:

Spanish Tortilla Recipe (Easy Potato Omelette)

This Spanish tortilla recipe, or tortilla de patatas, is a simple and well-known classic—but with the warmer days coming and gatherings starting again ☀️, it’s exactly the kind of dish people love to prepare and share.

Inspired by my Spanish friends, who make it so effortlessly, this easy Spanish recipe was clearly missing from my blog. It’s also perfect for students or beginner cooks, using just a few basic ingredients for a delicious and affordable meal.

👉 “For more easy meals, take a look at my recipes for students, and if you’re planning a gathering, don’t miss my Greek-inspired aperitif guide for simple ideas to share.”

Greek-Inspired Aperitif Guide: Finger Bites, Cheese, Dips, and Desserts

Planning a Greek-inspired aperitif is all about combining easy-to-serve bites, flavorful cheeses, dips, and simple desserts that your guests can enjoy while mingling. This guide brings together the best of Greek classics and versatile small plates, plus desserts, drinks, and organization tips, all sourced from my favorite recipes. 

Don’t forget you can also find more of my Greek recipes in my new book Vivian is Cooking GREEK, available worldwide on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover.

Essential Tools Every Baker Needs

Baking is both an art and a science. While you don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets to create delicious cakes, cookies, and pastries, having the right tools can make your baking smoother, more precise, and much more enjoyable. Here’s a guide to the basics every baker should have.

1. Mixing Tools

• Stand Mixer / Hand Mixer – Whip cream, beat egg whites, mix doughs. (I use the Kmix from Kenwood - kichenaid is the most popular)
• Mixing Bowls – Combine ingredients, rest dough, melt chocolate.
• Whisk – Beat eggs, mix dry ingredients, smooth batters.
• Spatulas – Scrape bowls, fold in batter, smooth into pans.
• Wooden Spoon – Stir heavy mixtures and doughs.

Celebrate Greek National Day with Bakaliaros Skordalia!

As Greece’s National Day approaches on March 25th, it's the perfect time to revisit one of the country's most beloved dishes—Crispy Greek Cod (Bakaliaros Skordalia). This traditional combination of fried cod (bakaliaros) served with  Skordalia (a creamy garlic-potato puree) is a must-have on this special day.

Skordalia is made with potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick. It's rich, smooth, and full of flavor, making it the ideal accompaniment to the crispy, golden fried cod. A true comfort food that brings the spirit of Greece right to your table!

Whether you're celebrating Greek Independence Day with family or simply enjoying a hearty Mediterranean meal, Bakaliaros Skordalia is the perfect dish to honor this historical occasion.

Check out my recipes for both Bakaliaros and Skordalia on the blog and make sure to add this delicious duo to your March 25th menu!

Stay tuned, as I am working on my first eBook with authentic greek recipes that I will release soon.

Do not forget to leave me your comments!

What Makes a Recipe Successful? My Best Cooking Tips & Kitchen Essentials

Over the years (homecooking for 30 years!), I’ve realized that a successful recipe is not only about following steps—it’s about combining quality ingredients, reliable tools, efficiency, and intention.

Here’s what truly makes the difference in my kitchen (Click on read more for more details).

Two Greek Recipes You Won’t Find in My Cookbook… Yet

When I created my Greek recipe book "Vivian is Cooking GREEK", I focused on recipes I had already made and tested for years. Later, I realized two important classics were missing: Lahanodolmades and Kadaifi.

Both are now available here on the blog:

🥬 Lahanodolmades – tender cabbage rolls filled with a flavorful mixture. 

🍯 Kadaifi – the classic crispy, nutty, syrup-soaked dessert. 

I also offer printable versions of these recipes in my Etsy shop for those who want them separately, and they will be included in a future update of my cookbook.

Explore the recipes, try them at home, and enjoy a taste of traditional Greek cuisine!

Vivian Is Cooking GREEK – Available Worldwide

My cookbook is now available in English and French, in 3 formats: Kindle, Paperback, and beautiful Hardcover and can be ordered worldwide.

If you buy my book, leaving a review in Amazon would mean the world to me!

🇬🇧 English

• Amazon France: English edition
• Amazon.com: English edition

🇫🇷 Français

• Amazon France: Français edition
• Amazon.com: Français edition

Available everywhere on Amazon — just search “Vivian Is Cooking GREEK” in your local store!

The Apple & Potato Peeler That Saves Me Time in the Kitchen

If you cook with apples or potatoes, peeling and slicing can be slow. I recently got an apple and potato peeler/slicer, and it has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen tools.

With a simple hand crank, it peels, cores, and slices apples or potatoes in seconds, giving thin, even slices with minimal waste (check the video below). 

Which Greek Recipes Should You Try First from My Cookbook?

If you just got my Greek recipe cookbook (Vivian is Cooking GREEK), you might be wondering: “Where should I start?” Don’t worry! I’ve selected a few recipes that are easy, delicious, and will give you a true taste of Greek home cooking.

Greek-Style Apéro: Easy & Delicious Ideas to Share

Apéro time is all about simple food, sharing, and no stress. With just a few elements, you can create a balanced and inviting spread inspired by Greek cuisine.

14 Complete Greek Menus for Every Season

Looking for inspiration to turn the recipes from my Greek Cookbook into full meals? These 14 menus show you how to combine starters, mains, and desserts from my cookbook naturally and seasonally. Perfect for holidays, family lunches, or dinner parties!

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1. Christmas Dinner 🎄: Tyropitakia Kourou – Giouvetsi me Kritharaki – Melomakarona & Kourambiedes
2. New Year’s Eve ✨: Tzatziki & Kolokythokeftedes – Mosxari me Melitzanes – Vivian’s Pudding
3. Easter Sunday 🐣: Kokkina Avga – Souvlakia – Spanakotyropita – Ravani
4. Family Lunch 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Rolo Kima or Arakas me Anitho or Gemista – Galatopita 
5. Winter Comfort ❄️: Kotosoupa or Fakes Soupa or Youvarlakia Avgolemono – Halvas
6. Village Winter Table 🏡: Fasolada or Spetzofai – Portokalopita
7. Friends Dinner 🍷: Kolokythokeftedes – Soutzoukakia – Ekmek Kadaifi
8. Dinner Party 🥂: Dolmadakia – Moussaka – Galatopita
9. Pasta Night 🍝: Horiatiki – Pastitsio – Ravani
10. Fisherman’s Menu 🌊: Skordalia – Bakaliaros Skordalia – Pites tis Satziis
11. Summer Seaside Dinner ☀️: Horiatiki – Psari Plaki – Mosaic Dessert / Kormos
12. Island Pasta Night 🏖️: Tzatziki – Garidomakaronada – Portokalopita
13. Cozy Autumn Dinner 🍁: Keftedakia – Kotopoulo Kokkinisto – Halvas
14. Home Dinner 🏠:  Hirino Prasoselino or Kotopoulo Me Bamies – Mosaic Dessert / Kormos
15. Seafood Feast 🐙: Htapo̱di me Kofto Makaronaki – Skordalia – Pites tis Satziis
16. Casual Dinner 🍔: Biftekia – Fasolakia or Spanakoryzo – Galatopita
17. Summer Vegetarian ☀️: Briam – Spanakoryzo – Portokalopita

Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes

🌟 Difficulty	⏱️ Time	🍽️ Serves	🔪 Skill level
★★ Easy	15 min	4	Beginner

Few desserts are as irresistible as a warm chocolate lava cake. These air fryer lava cakes are quick, rich, and perfectly gooey inside, with a melting chocolate center that feels like a restaurant treat — ready in minutes at home. No air fryer? Bake at 200°C (fan oven) for 9–10 minutes in small ramekins instead.

“This delicious Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake will also be featured in my new baking book, coming soon — I can’t wait to share all my favorite recipes with you!”