Monday, October 26, 2026

Yogurt or Sweet Imposter? The Truth Behind Those Creamy Pots!

Walk down the dairy aisle and you’ll find endless little pots: natural yogurt, Greek yogurt, strawberry yogurt, chocolate cream and tempting desserts. They may look alike, but are you buying real yogurt or a sweet imposter in disguise? 

I, personally, had to move abroad to start appreciating the silky smooth amazing Greek yogurt.


The Simple Truth About Yogurt

Real plain yogurt needs just two essentials: milk + live yogurt cultures. These friendly bacteria ferment the milk, giving yogurt its characteristic tangy taste and creamy texture.

Fruit, sugar, flavourings and thickeners can be added to yogurt, while some creamy pots are actually dairy desserts. Nothing wrong with enjoying a sweet treat, just know what you’re choosing!

My tip: check the ingredients and nutrition label. Plain yogurt naturally contains lactose, the sugar in milk, so look at the ingredient list to see whether extra sugar has been added.

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Soup Season Is Here! Six Comforting Soups for Colder Days

The days are getting shorter, the air is turning chilly, and winter is slowly approaching here in Central Europe. For me, this can only mean one thing: it’s time to bring out the soup pot!

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a homemade soup simmering on the stove (although I use the pressure cooker often :) It warms us from the inside, fills the kitchen with delicious aromas and brings a little cosiness to even the coldest day. And with vegetables, meat or chicken, soup can also be a nourishing, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Today, I’m revisiting six soups from my blog, from traditional Greek favourites to a velvety autumn vegetable soup. Which one will you try first?

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Birthday Cake Inspiration & Sweet Celebrations

Some occasions call for a cake, a few candles and something delicious made with love!

Whether you’re planning a birthday, surprising someone special or simply looking for an excuse to bake, here are a few favourites from my kitchen, from spectacular chocolate creations to elegant desserts and traditional Greek sweets. 

Actually, in my latest cookbook Vivian is Cooking BAKING I have dedicated the very first chapter to Celebration Cakes and Special Occasions. I've got so many other in this blog, that it's difficult to choose, so here's a different point of view...