Vivian's chili con carne :)

After my tiramisu without coffee and alcohol, find today my way of chili con carne which is actually beef that flirts with "barbunya" beans.
You will need...

Ingredients
1 Kg of beef cut in small pieces
500gr of "barbunya" beans
1 garlic clover (smashed)
1 onion (sliced)
1 green pepper (sliced)
1 can of tomato sauce (or the equivalent in fresh tomatoes)
parsley
1 table spoon of paprika
salt, pepper, olive oil

Pork with Leeks & Celery (Hirino Prasoselino)

[Updated 20/03/2025]

Leek and celery caressing pork tenderloin!

A comforting Greek dish where tender pork meets the sweetness of leeks and the aromatic touch of celery. Light, hearty, and full of flavor!

Chocolate marble cake

An easy and old-time-classic cake today. I made it for the school of one of my kids to sell and fund their trip. I chose this cake as many people like this cake and it is true that it disappeared immediately.
The best compliment was the one of my kid that when he saw that the cake was sold immediately, said the sweetest thing to my husband : "Mum has something magic in her hands that makes everything that she cooks delicious" .... Am I not lucky with such kids?

Triple chocolate mousse cake!

Happy Valentine's day! I profit from the day to try a cake that I like a lot and I always buy it or order it in a good pastry shop, the "Triple chocolate mousse cake". What best to try for the lovers day than a cake full of all kinds of chocolate?
I have searched a lot to find a good recipe and for once, since long time, I tried a recipe that I found online and seemed to me quite reliable (http://douceursexquises.canalblog.com/archives/2007/03/05/4180019-p50-0.html). 
Normally, I do not try a recipe unless I have tasted it myself, but this time, I decided to give it a try as it seemed too close to my moto: simple ... but delicious :) Find here, my version of this recipe that I really liked and turned out to be a revelation!

Meatloaf with Eggs (Greek-Style Rolo Kima)

[Updated 18/03/2025]

A classic Greek comfort dish, this meatloaf (Rolo Kima) surprises with hidden boiled eggs inside. Baked with flavorful potatoes, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.

Tortilla rolls

 Here's a simple but very attractive idea for a buffet: tortilla rolls!
You will need :

• wheat tortillas
• your favorite cream cheese
• a lettuce (washed and well drained)
• slices of ham, turkey or salmon

Just spread the cheese on the tortillas, then add the ham and some lettuce. Roll tightly and cut in parts using your imagination. Use toothpicks to hold the rolls. Decorate nicely and enjoY! 

Cinnamon rolls!

Like cinnamon? Crazy with cinnamon? You just start dribbling when you smell cinnamon? Then you will love cinnamon rolls :)
If you have never tried them, trust me, you should.
If you are already addicted to them, and you were always bought them, find today a simple recipe to make them yourself for you and your dear ones...
The recipe is very easy, you just need to have quite some time available as there is one hour of waiting time in between the steps of the preparation.

Beef "bourguignon", french touch!

Special tribute today to the country that hosts me for almost 20 years ...
A classic dish with beef that in french is called "boeuf bourguignon" and a recipe that if you like cooking you should not miss :)
You will need good red wine, and depending on how fanatic you are with wine, adjust the quantity that you will use. I am not so, so I do not put much, but feel free to adapt to your taste! 
You will need...

Chocolate muffins

Remember my chocolate-banana muffins? Special tribute today, as I made 30 muffins without banana for the buffet of the birthday party of one of my kids and I decorated them in a simple but cute way that I am sure that anyone can reproduce...
Just d e l i c i o u s!

Keftedakia, the greek mini burgers :)

Do you remember my home-burgers?
With the same recipe, you can make mini-burgers that you fry in a big frying-pan with good olive-oil and in greek we call them keftedakia that stands for meatballs :)
It is great for a buffet and kids and adults get crazy with them. So crazy, that I did not manage to get a photo from mine when done as they disappeared immediately!   
[updated] I managed to do again in order to show you the result...

Penne siciliana

Italian inspiration this week, and today my favorite pasta dish: penne siciliana! With a few noble ingredients you can make so nice dishes like this. Take an eggplant, some garlic, tomato sauce, add mozzarella and you have it!

Ingredients
500gr penne pasta
1 eggplant
2 garlic toes
1 tomato sauce can
150gr mozzarella cheese
salt, pepper, olive oil, parsley

Lasagne, pasta fiesta!

Lasagne is a classic dish that is very popular and easily appreciated. Find today my way of making lasagne and get it in your weekly menu if not yet :)

Ingredients:
1 box of pasta for lasagne
1 can of tomato sauce
grated cheese (parmigiano reggiano and emmental)
bechamel sauce and sauce bolognese

Spanakotyropita (Greek Spinach & Feta Pie)

[UPDATED 24/03/2025] Check also the alternatives here

Love spinach and feta? Imagine them wrapped in golden, crispy phyllo with fragrant dill—this is spanakotyropita, a classic from my home region, Thessaly, famous for its pies. 

While ready-made phyllo makes it quick and easy, homemade dough takes it to the next level. Whether you go traditional or take the shortcut, this pie brings the taste of Greece to your kitchen.