Chocolate cake... yeah!

My favorite chocolate cake

This is THE chocolate cake that I chose for one of the first birthday cakes for my kids that became a very popular one among my kids AND their friends!
Given this success in taste, this is the one that I chose as base for several birthday cakes later on.
I only changed the decoration/topping to fit to the occasion and you will see how a humble cake can end up to such an awesome cake :) Trust me and try it, you will become addicted!
Special tribute to all my family (husband and kids) that helped me to decorate the following cakes. These were moments of pure happiness... I love you!
Let's start from the basics...

Summer break!

It's been a very productive year, so it is time for a summer break!
Enjoy your vacations all of you out there and meet back again here from September with fresh ideas and passion for creativity :)

Cheese balls/Gougeres au fromage

Today I will share with you a simple and delicious recipe that my polish friend Anneta does and that I really like. It's great for buffets like birthday parties, various celebrations at home, at work, at school of your children, etc. and it's so easy to make!
In french they call these cheese balls "Gougeres au fromage" and if you speak french have a look in the original recipe here: http://www.marmiton.org/recettes/recette_gougeres-au-fromage_20095.aspx

For the ones, that cannot understand the french, I will try to translate :)
Thanks Anneta for sharing this recipe and please send a nice photo to us if you have one!

We are the champions :)

I have been pretty busy lately with various things so I was not so often blogging here, but I would like to share with you one of the reasons :)

My husband is a pilot and his club was organizing a treasure hunt and me with kids joined him in the team and guess what? we won THE FIRST PRIZE!

So we celebrated the event with a bbq organized at the club and it"s only today that i got back into cooking doing pasticcio :)

Jello dessert, for summer parties!

Want a summer dessert? Then a jello dessert is what will freshen your summer parties :) It is easy, quite popular and very tasty... See how you can do it :

Psari Plaki (Greek baked Fish with Tomatoes & Onions)

[Updated 26/02/2025]

"Plaki" is a way that in Greece we cook fish in the oven using tomatoes, onions and parsley. We can use whatever fish we like, but here I am using salmon just because I found nice fresh salmon today that it's the favorite of my husband. It's a recipe that I strongly suggest to try, as it tastes great!

Spaghetti with Shrimps (Greek Garidomakaronada)

[Updated 18/03/2025]

A classic summer dish, garidomakaronada is a light yet flavorful pasta meal, perfect for enjoying by the sea. Quick, easy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors!

Kotosoupa (Greek Chicken Soup)

[Updated on 18/03/2025]

Kotosoupa is a comforting Greek chicken soup, perfect for cold winter days or when you need a nourishing meal. This traditional recipe, passed down from my mother, keeps it simple and authentic—just like it’s made in Greek villages.

Greek Mosaic Dessert (Kormos / Chocolate Biscuit Cake)

[Updated 30/03/2025]

A no-bake, rich chocolate biscuit dessert that’s a Greek summertime favorite! Easy to make with just a few ingredients, it's a nostalgic treat for kids and adults alike.

Father's day!

Father's day today, and my son gave us his presents that made at school for both parents. I have posted here already my daughter's gifts and I promised I would come up with my sons, when I will receive them. It's my way to thank my kids and their teachers for their initiative. We both really loved them, THANKS!
On top, some of you might be inspired for next year :)

Spanakoryzo (Greek Spinach and Rice)

[Updated 26/02/2025]

Spanakoryzo is a simple yet nutritious Greek dish made with spinach, rice, and olive oil, gently simmered with aromatic dill and lemon juice. 

This humble one-pot meal is a staple of Greek home cooking, offering a delicious balance of greens and grains. Traditionally served with feta cheese and crusty bread, it’s a comforting vegetarian dish packed with flavor. 

It's easy to make it and so tasty :) Here is how...

Meat with Eggplants (Greek Veal & Eggplant Stew)

[Updated 18/03/2025]

A rich and aromatic Greek dish, this slow-cooked veal stew is paired with tender eggplants and potatoes in a flavorful tomato sauce. A true Mediterranean comfort food!

Ravani: Greek Semolina Cake with Syrup

[Updated 26/02/2025]

Ravani is a moist, fragrant Greek cake made with semolina and soaked in a sweet syrup. It’s a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a hint of lemon and a delicate texture, this cake is a beloved treat in Greek households (in ours too!).

An amazing variation is the coconut ravani.