Christmas in Macedonia
Northern Greece is where it's at for the winter season.
Good food and drinks, good company and who would guess great skiing. One of Greeces best ski resort with views of the surrounding natural beauty including Mt. Olympus!
Vasilitsa Ski Resort, Grevena in 3D
Ingredients:
500g minced pork
500g minced beef
1 large onion, grated
1 cup rice
Cayenne pepper
Greek hot peppers (Mπούκοβο)
Salt & pepper
1 coffee cup of red wine
1 tbsp. tomato puree
1 tbsp. margarine
Juice of one lemon
Pickled cabbage leaves, blanched
Peltes
Giaprakia for Christmas
Lahanodolmades of Kozani, Macedonia
Photo Courtesy of Joana Hard
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a large pan (save some lemon juice, tomato paste and margarine for remaining directions).
2. Take the cabbage leaves and cut to the desired size.
3. Add the stuffing and roll, wrap and fold tightly.
4. Arrange the giaprakia in rows inside a pot. Make sure the harder side of the cabbage leave rolls face down to prevent damage from sticking.
5. Dissolve desired amount of tomato paste in water and add to pot.
6. Next squeeze a whole lemon and add a little margarine and olive oil.
7. Cover the giaprakia with cabbage leaves and add water till covered. Bring to a boil over low heat and you will know when they are ready when the cabbage leaves have softened.
Ski Vasilitsa in 3D
Want to feel like you're actually there?
Look in the center of the two images and cross your eyes as you move your head forward or backward until the image appears in 3D.
Photo Courtesy of Moschos
Macedonia for Christmas
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What to do? Head to Vasilitsa skiing.
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What to eat? Go to Kozani for delicious Giaprakia.
Athens for the Holidays
There is plenty to do in Athens for Christmas and New Year but the Grande Bretagne is a must.
Enjoy Christmas Eve dinner prepared by non other than Asterios Koustoudis who is a Michelin star awarded chef and dance the night away to musical grooves provided by a popular Athenian DJ
Have Christmas Eve plans? That's OK because you can experience the famous GB Christmas Day Buffet.
What better way to bring in the New Year than with views of the ancient city.
While you're there make sure to try an Ouzo Oil massage, a Mastic foot scrub or a Yogurt and Honey wrap. It's fair to say that the spa treatment at the Grande Bretagne is, well, delicious!
Check them out on the web at www.grandebretagne.gr