1. Melomakarona: Greek Christmas’s Fragrant Center

Melomakarona in December is a must in any Greek home. These little comfort foods are the essence of the season; they are soft, honey-soaked, and fragrant with orange zest and cinnamon.
Every region, from Macedonia to Crete, modifies the recipe: adding more spice, using less syrup, and using whole or crushed walnuts. However, the sensation of warmth, hospitality, and plenty doesn’t change.

2. Kourabiedes: Sweet, Snowy Clouds

Kourabiedes, covered in a thick layer of powdered sugar, are the epitome of joyous celebration. Simple ingredients like butter, almonds, and rose water are transformed into a mouthwatering confection.
Thessaly favors bigger, more rustic shapes, while Syros is well known for its version made with Aegean almonds.
It tastes like Christmas morning after just one bite.

3. Christopsomo: A Blessed Bread

Christopsomo, or “Christ’s Bread,” is prepared in many Greek homes on Christmas Eve.
Christopsomo is a symbol of new beginnings and family blessings. It is rich in spices, nuts, and raisins, adorned with walnut symbols, and kneaded with purpose.
Tradition and thankfulness are present in every slice.

4. Honey and Islands: The Delightful Aegean Signature

Honey is the first ingredient in Greek islands’ unique Christmas magic.
Psilokouloura, which are little crunchy biscuits dipped in honey, are Karpathos’ specialty.
Locals in Crete make xerotigana, which are delicate fried spirals covered in sesame and honey.
Amorgos and Naxos prefer honey-based candies with cinnamon and citrus undertones.
Golden, fragrant, and incredibly light is the Aegean festive palette.

5. Turkey Stuffed with Chestnuts: The Star of the Season

Although the traditional Christmas turkey is a global tradition, Greeks have given it a unique twist.
The recipe for the stuffing, which includes rice, chestnuts, raisins, onions, and warm spices, has been handed down through the generations.
It combines celebratory luxury with gastronomic comfort.

6. Northern Pork Recipes: Vibrant Tastes & Winter Warmth

Christmas tastes like slow-cooked pork in Macedonia, Thrace, and Epirus.
Northern Greece embraces the warmth of winter with dishes like tigania with lemon and herbs and pork with celery and avgolemono.
These dishes tell tales of long family tables, wood-burning stoves, and mountain villages.

7. Tsourekia & Sweet Breads for the Festive Table

Christmas without tsoureki is unthinkable.
Fluffy, aromatic with mastiha and mahlepi, topped with almonds or chocolate, tsoureki is the all-day companion of the season.
In the Peloponnese, families bake lalaggia, crispy dough ribbons, while in Rhodes they prepare melekouni, a sesame-honey bar offered during celebrations.

8. Vasilopita: The Delicious Welcome to the New Year

Sweet or savory, cake or bread Vasilopita comes in many forms depending on the region.
But its essence is universal: joy, luck and togetherness.
Cut at midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is a ritual that beautifully closes the festive season and welcomes hope.

9. Hot Drinks the Greek Way

Festive flavour is not only eaten it’s sipped.
From rakomelo of the islands to the tsipouro with honey of the north, Greece offers warming drinks that turn cold nights into convivial evenings.
For non-alcoholic comfort: mountain tea, sage, cinnamon-infused orange tea.

10. The Real Magic: Moments Shared at the Table

Beyond recipes and ingredients, Christmas flavours in Greece are about togetherness.
Long meals, shared plates, conversations that slow down time.
Each dish is a reminder that the holidays are made not only by what we eat, but by who we share it with.

FOLLOW TRAVELMYDAY ON INSTAGRAM

The post Festive Food Trips: The Best Christmas Flavours Around Greece appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

• 500g fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• Fresh dill (optional), chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8-10 sheets of phyllo pastry
• Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the phyllo)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:
   • Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and spring onions until soft.
   • Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or until excess water evaporates (if using frozen).
   • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   • In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture with crumbled feta, beaten eggs, dill (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Assemble the pie:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Brush a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
   • Layer 4-5 phyllo sheets on the bottom, brushing each one with olive oil or butter.
   • Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the phyllo.
   • Cover with the remaining 4-5 phyllo sheets, brushing each one with olive oil or butter as you go.
   • Fold the edges inward to seal the pie.
3. Bake:
   • Score the top layer of phyllo with a sharp knife to create serving-sized squares (this will make it easier to cut later).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve:
   • Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade spanakopita with a side salad or some yogurt!

FOLLOW TRAVELMYDAY ON INSTAGRAM

The post Spinach and Feta Pie (Spanakopita) appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, pepper, oregano (for seasoning the chicken)
• 1 large tomato
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 red onion
• 100g feta cheese
• 10-12 olives (preferably Kalamata)
• 1/2 cup bulgur (optional)

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Chicken

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:
   • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
   • Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side).
   • Once slightly cooled, slice the chicken into strips or small pieces.
2. Prepare the salad:
   • Slice the tomato, cucumber, and red onion thinly.
   • Crumble the feta cheese.
   • If using, cook the bulgur according to package instructions and let it cool.
3. Assemble the salad:
   • In a large salad bowl, mix the vegetables, feta, and olives.
   • Add the grilled chicken (and bulgur, if using).
4. Make the dressing:
   • Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then drizzle over the salad.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the salad with fresh bread or rusks for a more filling meal.

Enjoy your meal!

FOLLOW TRAVELMYDAY ON INSTAGRAM

The post Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Chicken appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

The post Indulgent Rum and Raisin Ice Cream appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

• 3 1/2 ounces orange juice
• 1 1/2 ounces Campari
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups crushed ice

Garnish: orange half wheel

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
2. Pour into a short collins glass, then garnish with the orange half wheel.

FOLLOW TRAVELMYDAY ON INSTAGRAM

The post Frozen Garibaldi appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

See the Top 10:

Pai huang gua (Smacked Cucumber)

Smacked cucumber is a traditional Asian dish that’s especially popular in Tibet as a snack for picnicking. The dish is usually made with a combination of cucumbers, garlic, sesame oil, black vinegar, and soy sauce.

The cucumber is peeled and smacked with a rolling pin so that it’s bruised and starting to break apart. It’s sliced into chunks and mixed with the rest of the ingredients. The ingredients are tossed well and then served on a large plate.

The cucumber is smacked because it will absorb the flavors of garlic, oil, vinegar, and soy sauce even better and it will have a more intense flavor.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a Greek concoction made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and numerous herbs and spices such as dill, mint, or parsley. It is usually served as a sauce accompanying many meat dishes, as a simple dip, or an appetizer.

Its name is derived from the Turkish word cacik, denoting a very similar dip, although some suspect that tzatziki was derived from the Indian raita dip.

Tzatziki is always served cold, and it is especially popular to serve it with dishes such as gyros and souvlaki. Often, it is served with pita bread as part of the first course of a big meal.

With its huge popularity, and the fact that it is one of the best summer dips, it is not strange that there are many regional variations of tzatziki, in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

In third place is the Mexican Aguachile (a type of ceviche that in its most classic version consists of fresh raw shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lime juice and chili in water, which gives the dish its name).

Next is the Polish Mizeria salad which consists of thinly sliced ​​cucumbers that are seasoned with salt and pepper and then mixed with creamy sour cream or yogurt. The main part of mizeria is a handful of freshly cut dill, one of the favorite herbs used in Polish cuisine.

The top five is completed by the Turkish Cacık , which is very similar to the Greek tzatziki.

Found in various forms throughout cuisines of Southeast Europe and the Middle East, cacık is a refreshing Turkish dip made with strained or diluted yogurt mixed with finely chopped cucumbers and minced garlic.

It is traditionally flavored with olive oil, dill weed, mint, either lemon juice or vinegar, and sometimes even oregano, thyme, sumac, and paprika. Cacık is served chilled and it is used for virtually everything from various appetizers to main dishes.

It pairs especially well with classic Turkish meat fare such as köfte and kebabs of all kinds. As a side dish, cacık is typically enjoyed in place of a salad, diluted with water and eaten with a spoon, like soup.

by PAUL ANTONOPOULOS

http://follow djmanosathinaios on instagram

The post Taste Atlas: Tzatziki Is The World’s Second Best Cucumber Dish – See Which Is 1st appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

Low Calorie Cocktails

Low Calorie Cocktails
As someone who loves a good beverage, I have a few low calorie drinks on rotation. I love an iced coffee, pink drink, or when I’m in a boozy mood, some low calorie cocktails.

As someone who regularly competes in fitness competitions, I spend a portion of the year monitoring my calorie intake. Instead of cutting food groups out completely, I just make lower calorie version of my favorite foods and drinks.

This means I often enjoy a bagel for breakfast, pasta for lunch, and pizza for dinner. If it’s the weekend and especially during summer, I often enjoy a drink or two. And yes, that includes cocktails!

What is the best alcohol to drink on a diet?
Spirits such as tequila, gin, vodka, and rum are all low in calories. Each standard drink, or 1.5 oz fluid serving, has around 95 calories. However, when used in cocktails or mixed drinks, they can be quite the calorie bombs.

Luckily, with a few small tweaks, you can enjoy cocktails without the added sugar and calories. We’ve re-created the 5 most popular cocktails around the world and given them a low calorie makeover.

Low calorie cocktail recipes- 5 cocktails!
These low calorie cocktails prove you can enjoy cocktails on a low calorie or weight loss diet. Each one has around 100 calories each and needs less than 4 ingredients to make, and they look and taste just like their original inspiration.

Here are the five cocktails we’ve cut the calories of-

Long Island Iced Tea
Espresso martini
Margarita
Mohito
Gin and tonic
How to make a low calorie cocktail?
Each of these low calorie cocktails follows the same format of spirits or alcohol, then adding mixers or soda, and then unique mix-ins or ingredients to give them their signature look and flavor.

The Ingredients.
Alcohol– Vodka, tequila, rum, or gin.
Sugar syrup substitute or sweetener– The secret ingredient to keeping the calories low but flavor high. Homemade sugar free simple syrup (or sugar free maple syrup) adds sweetness to every cocktail, minus the calories!
Liquid– Soda, diet soda, or fresh juices.
Mix-ins– sliced fruit, flavor extracts, or whipped cream.
The Instructions.
In a cocktail shaker or glass mixer, combine your ingredients and shake/mix until combined. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Low calorie cocktail options
Here are the specific ingredients for each of the five cocktails. Three of them require a shaker and the other two can be stirred.

Long Island Iced Tea
Vodka
Rum
Tequila
Gin
Orange extract– Replaces the need for triple sec.
Sugar free simple syrup
Lemon juice
Diet cola
A traditional Long Island Iced Tea has 220 calories and 23 grams of sugar, but this low calorie Long Island Iced Tea has just 120 calories and 0 grams of sugar. That is a saving of 100 calories each.

Espresso Martini

• Espresso or cold brew– Either 30 ml of freshly brewed espresso (one espresso capsule) or cold brew.
• Vodka
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar free simple syrup

A traditional espresso martini has 230 calories and 25 grams of sugar. This low calorie version has just 98 calories and 0 grams of sugar. That is saving of over 130 calories.

Margarita

• Sugar free maple syrup– Adds a better flavor than the simple syrup for this particular cocktail.
• Tequila
• Lime and lemon juice
• Sparkling water

A standard margarita has around 250 calories and 32 grams of sugar. This low calorie or skinny margarita has just 100 calories and 1 gram of sugar. That is a saving of 150 calories.

Mojito

• Club soda
• Lime
• Sugar free simple syrup
• Rum
• Fresh mint

A classic mojito has 240 calories and over 30 grams of sugar. This low calorie mojito has just 95 calories per standard drink and zero grams of sugar. That is a saving of over 145 calories.

Gin and Tonic

• Gin
• Diet tonic water– Also known as sugar free tonic water or Indian tonic water.
• Lime

A traditional gin and tonic has 170 calories and 20 grams of sugar per serving. A low calorie gin and tonic has just 100 calories and no sugar. That is a saving of 70 calories.

Tips to make the best cocktails

• Unless you want an authentic cocktail, you can switch up the liquor or spirits used in each one. Most spirits (vodka, rum, gin, tequila) all have similar calories.
• Always serve the cocktails fresh, as they are most refreshing then. Do not store them for more than an hour and never freeze them.
• Add a squeeze of citrus, fresh berries, or other sliced fruits to the cocktails. They will provide extra flavor with very minimal calories.

FOLLOW TRAVELMYDAY ON INSTAGRAM

The post Low Calorie Cocktails appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

This keto margarita recipe is a low-carb take on the classic Mexican-inspired cocktail. Simple yet fancy, with 5 delicious flavor combinations!

As someone who enjoys a good cocktail every now and then, I can attest to how challenging it is to find keto versions of my favorite cocktail: margaritas. Today, though, I have you covered with my homemade recipe.

Are margaritas keto-friendly?
Unfortunately, traditional margaritas are not keto-friendly. They contain triple sec or Cointreau, which contain excessive amounts of sugar and sugar syrup, sometimes up to 30 grams of carbs per jigger!

Luckily, with a few simple swaps, you can enjoy margs on a low carb diet. Here are some reasons why I love this recipe:

5 Ingredients. Just tequila, flavor extract, a sugar-free syrup, a mixer, and some limes are all you’ll need.
Easy to customize. Fruity, sharp, or with sweeter notes, you can customize this cocktail any way you like.
Uses real keto simple syrup. Thanks to my keto simple syrup, this truly tastes like the original. And unlike a traditional skinny margarita, there’s no sugar needed!
It just tastes good! It’s chilled, smooth, and goes down dangerously easy. The subtle sweetness from the lime and orange pairs perfectly without being overpowering.
Ingredients needed
Tequila. Use good quality and subtly flavored tequila, like Patron or Don Julio.
Simple syrup. Adds a little bit of sweetness adding no extra carbs or sugar. I used a keto simple syrup.
Orange extract. Gives some lovely orange flavor, with no oranges needed.
Soda water, seltzer, OR water. To thin out the margarita. If you prefer some fizz, opt for soda water or seltzer.
Limes. Fresh limes juiced, with several slices for decoration.
Ice. A must for any good cocktail.
How to make a keto margarita
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Add ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes.

Step 2- Serve. Carefully strain the margarita into two glasses and garnish with a lime wedge, then serve and enjoy!

Tips to make the best recipe

• Tone down the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet margarita, omit the simple syrup and use seltzer or soda water.
• Amp up the flavor by using lime or lemon flavored seltzer.
• For aesthetic purposes, lightly brush the edges of the glass with water and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
• For a keto margarita mix, you can prepare all the ingredients, minus the water/seltzer up to two weeks in advance. When ready to enjoy, add the mixture, along with the seltzer, into a cocktail shaker, and mix and serve!

The post Keto Margarita appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

INGREDIENTS
Serving: 1

1 1/2 ounces mezcal
1 ounce grapefruit juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce agave syrup (2:1 agave nectar to hot water)
2 ounces avocado soda (see Editor’s Note)
Garnish: discarded grapefruit twist, fresh avocado leaf
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients, except avocado soda, in a mixing tin and shake with ice.
Add avocado soda to tin, then strain into Collins glass over fresh ice.
Express the grapefruit peel and discard.
Garnish with fresh avocado leaf.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Avocado Soda:
1 large avocado, cut into a medium dice
500 milliliters mineral water, room temperature
25 milliliters simple syrup
Pinch of kosher salt

Put avocado, water and salt into iSi whipper. Charge with 2 cream charges, shaking well between each charge. Let sit for 20 minutes, lightly shaking up and down every few minutes. After 20 minutes, vent the gas without spraying any of the liquid. Once pressure has been released, open the iSi whipper and strain contents through a fine sieve pressing on the avocado until you’ve extracted as much liquid as you can. Add the simple to the avocado water and put the avocado water into a clean iSi whipper. Charge with 1 CO2 and shake vigorously. Let sit for 10 minutes before use. Keep refrigerated.

FOLLOW TRAVELMYDAY ON INSTAGRAM

The post Avocado Paloma appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.

It’s that time of year when many of us are thinking about what we can do to get through the fall and winter without catching the dreaded cold or flu. The first thought often turns to boosting our body’s immune defenses, whether that’s with healthy foods or immunity-boosting drinks.

The immune system is the body’s natural defense network comprised of cells, tissues, and organs that help protect the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful substances. The immune system provides a barrier to prevent the invaders from entering our body, but also has an intricate system of cells to fight off the pathogens if they do find a way to enter the body.

A healthy overall lifestyle that ensures plenty of high-quality sleep is essential for strong immunity. Eating right and drinking beneficial beverages can also help bolster your body’s immune system.

Read on to learn about some immune-boosting drinks you can enjoy to prepare your body for the winter season, and for more healthy eating tips, check out the 10 Best Foods to Boost Your Immunity.

1 Water

Since our bodies are around 60-70% water by weight, and every single bodily function requires water, drinking adequate amounts of H20 is a good place to start to keep your immune system functioning. When your body is dehydrated, it can promote the growth of bacteria and viruses. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you drink the optimal amount of water for your body’s needs every single day.

A good rule of thumb for how much water is to drink half of your body weight in fluid ounces. If you weigh 150 pounds, your goal would be 75 ounces of water a day.

Some of the ways that water helps support the immune system is by aiding the absorption of nutrients and maintaining the mucous membranes in your nose, mouth, and throat that are often the first line of defense against a pathogen and a natural barrier to infections. Water is also an essential component of lymphatic fluid, which delivers white blood cells that help fight infections.

A study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses reported that individuals who were noted as being dehydrated prior to contracting COVID 19 were at increased risk of dying from COVID-19. The authors recommend that there should be public health recommendations to drink more water to help prevent and have better outcomes in fighting COVID-19.

2 Green tea

Green tea is another great beverage to enjoy to bolster your body’s natural defenses. Green tea is rich in beneficial polyphenol flavonoids that provide myriad health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers to managing systemic inflammation.

According to a study published in the journal Molecules, green tea strengthens immunity through its antioxidants that help protect cells against oxidation and reactive oxygen species. Green tea is thought to protect against diseases and infections by its antioxidant capacity as well as many other proposed pathways. It is also calorie-free and has a long history of being enjoyed for its numerous health-promoting benefits.

3 Kefir

Kefir is a fermented, yogurt-like beverage made from different types of milk, such as cow, sheep, and goat. Like yogurt, kefir is rich in different beneficial probiotics that help keep your GI tract microbiota balanced. Kefir’s main beneficial bacteria is Lactobacillus kefiri, while traditional yogurt’s main probiotics are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

A review article published in the journal Nutrients reported that kefir provides antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and many other health benefits.

4 Lemon ginger tea

Whether you make your own or purchase a brand of lemon ginger tea at your supermarket, this herbal tea is a great choice to help keep your immunity up. The tea is made by combining freshly grated ginger and lemon juice in hot water. Nationally available brands are made with lemongrass, lemon peel, and natural ginger. Some even have added probiotics for more immune-boosting benefits.

Lemon ginger tea is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that is known to help protect cells against oxidative damage. Vitamin C also provides anti-inflammatory properties and helps turn down negative immune responses, according to research published in the journal Antioxidants.

Ginger also possesses more than 100 bioactive compounds that help fend off nausea, reduce risk for certain cancers, improve blood lipids, reduce inflammation and much more, according to research published in the journal Nutrients.

5 100% orange or grapefruit juice

Orange juice is often promoted as a beverage of choice if you’re trying to fight off a cold or flu virus, and there is significant scientific support to drink citrus juice for your immune system.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Immunology, the vitamin C and folate in citrus juices sustain the integrity of the immune barriers and protect many types of immune cells, including natural killer cells and T-cells. What’s more, the bioactive compounds in citrus have anti-inflammatory effects to support immunity.

Both orange and grapefruit juice are nutrient-rich and provide more than 100% of the total vitamin C you need a day in one serving. These 100% fruit juices also provide vitamin A and folate. When buying orange juice, you can even find options that are fortified with vitamin D, a nutrient long known to be essential for healthy immunity.

6 Tomato juice

Like citrus fruit, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C as well as lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant carotenoid that possesses many health-promoting properties and is known to help tamp down systemic inflammation.

Tomato soup is often recommended when you have a cold or flu for it’s vitamin C, but refreshing tomato juice will provide similar amounts of vitamin C. What’s great about tomato juice is that eight ounces has just 50 calories, no added sugar, and nearly 100% of the vitamin C that you need in a day. To keep sodium levels in check, look for lower-sodium tomato juice.

FOLLOW TRAVELMYDAY ON INSTAGRAM

The post 6 Best Immune-Boosting Drinks to Fight Off Sickness appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.