Why Buy a Cookbook Nowadays?

We have recipes everywhere today. Google. Pinterest. Instagram. YouTube. AI.

So why would you still buy a cookbook? Because a cookbook gives you something the internet doesn't.

📖 It is curated.

You don't have to scroll through hundreds of recipes wondering which one is worth trying. Someone has selected, developed and organised the recipes for you.

👩‍🍳 It inspires you to cook.

A cookbook invites you to open a page and start cooking. No notifications, no endless scrolling, no distractions.

❤️ It creates memories.

A cookbook becomes part of your kitchen. Favourite pages get marked, recipes get repeated, and memories are created around the table.

🏡 It stays with you.

Websites change. Links disappear. Algorithms change.

A cookbook sits on your shelf and remains yours.

And that's why I still believe in cookbooks — and why I created my three:

🇬🇷 Vivian Is Cooking GREEK — my collection of Greek recipes and Mediterranean flavours.

🧁 Vivian Is Cooking BAKING — for homemade cakes, breads, pastries and all things delicious.

🇫🇷 Vivian Is Cooking – Cuisine Grecque — my Greek cooking collection for French-speaking readers.

There are recipes everywhere today, and that's wonderful.

But you don't buy a cookbook because you can't find recipes. You buy one because you want a collection of recipes that you love, trust and want to keep.

And maybe, one day, pass on. ❤️

Pancakes from Cyprus (Pites tis Satziis)

[Updated 30/03/2025]

A delicious, traditional Cypriot treat, these pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for sharing with loved ones!

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?

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...

Basil Pesto Puff Pastry Sticks

Looking for an easy aperitif idea that looks impressive but takes just minutes to prepare? These pesto puff pastry sticks are crispy, cheesy and full of Mediterranean flavour! I’m using my homemade basil pesto, shared in an earlier post, to turn ready-made puff pastry into an irresistible snack. Perfect for an aperitif, a party or drinks with friends!

Note: Of course, you can use store-bought pesto, but nothing beats the freshness, flavour and quality of homemade pesto made with carefully selected ingredients!

Lots of aperitif inspirations in my older posts:

• my Greek inspired aperitif guide or the Greek-style apero
• aperitif (or cocktail hour) flower
• ham ans swiss cheese bread/cake
• spanish tortilla
• tomato-mozzarella-oregano cake
• and finally, the so up-to-date Haloween fingers