Cheers to 2023

It has been a while since I have written a blog. There have been a lot of changes in my life, especially with Covid and my family. But now I’m back doing what brings me so much joy: sharing my love and passion for cooking!

Lately, I’ve realized that the senses of taste, smell, and hearing (like music) always bring me back or remind me of something. This past fall I went back to Greece and had an opportunity to explore Naxos for the first time. The food was amazing, and every taverna we ate at was better than the last. One taverna that stands out was called Yianni’s. We were eating under a huge tree sparkling with twinkle lights and we could smell the rich aromas from someone barbecuing. Talk about heaven!

We looked over to where the scent was coming from and found they were preparing fresh-cut meat for orders. Of course, we had to try! We tried the lamb chops (which were locally grown). They were amazing! And then of course we tried the fresh vegetables and salads that were picked that day. Talk about yum!

The scents, taste, oh and let’s not forget the Greek music both traditional and up-to-date stuff, just brought me back to my happy place. I could feel a sense of calm wash over me. I strongly believe that sometimes we need those moments in life to bring us back to the appreciation of what we have and love and do.

These powerful senses also bring up bittersweet thoughts at this current time in my life. My mom, who has Alzheimer’s, has begun progressing through this terrible disease. Her slow decline has taken up so much of my time. But, you can see her joy return when she hears or smells something familiar. For her, it’s Greek music. It brings a smile to her face, and sometimes she even dances.

When we prepare some food for her like lamb shanks with macaroni (spaghetti), she cleans her plate clean and says it was delicious. When I am preparing something, she comes into the kitchen and asks me what I am cooking, and offers to help. Each of these moments is precious – and all derived from her deep love of family and food from long ago.
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I know that for a few minutes, I have that amazing mom who was a phenomenal cook for me!
So I remind myself to do, share and teach what I love so very much. I am not a professional chef nor do I pretend to be! I just want people to know that cooking can be easy and brings people together and creates memories! The lasting ones.

Cheers to 2023, The Seasoned Greek is back to share more of Greek to Go and life experiences.