Marianna& Traditional Ikarian Soufiko

Story of Soufiko 

It was hard times in Greece, Yia Yia was trying to find food too prepare for her husband's supper. Meat was scarce . 

She had plenty of fresh vegatables, she cut them up added, spices, olive oil, cooked them over a open fire, they smelled, tasted so good, she ate almost whole pot.

When the Papou returned from fields, he looked confused at the almost empty pan, Yia Yia proclaimed I left you some!

 From here on out the dish was called, Soufiko "

 I left you some"

RECIPE 

Cut up

Zucchini 

Onions

Peppers

Eggplant

Tomatoes

Salt

Pepper

Olive oil over the top 

(dont skimp olive oil)

No need to add water  

vegetables  will create their own.

Cook over open low fire till pass fork through vegatables 

Kali orexi

Goat products and Longevity

One of my favorite stories growing up was Heidi, it was about a little girl who was very ill, spending most of her days in bed, the family feeling hopeless as she got sicker, agreed to send her to  grandfather who lived high in the mountains raising goats.  She drank the delicious goat milk, ate the creamy cheese , surrounded by nature she became the picture of health.
Here on Ikaria every family has their own goats that they milk every morning,  they make goat cheese, milk, and yogurt that comes in smaller clay pots. Could there be something to Heidi's story?  Does goats products have something to do with longevity and health?

Home away from Home" Balconi Studios"

We are now living at Balconi Studios, the owners Marianna and Paschala are warm and welcoming people, we have become fast friends, if you ever get the chance to come to this beautiful place you will be astounded by the the breathtaking views of the seas and spectacular mountains all while swinging in your hammock. Marianna was born in Athens, but her grandparents were from Ikaria, Paschala
Family has been on this island for over 250 years. They have taught and shared many things  about the Island and their people. We will share what we learn in our blog.

Everyone needs a purpose

I asked are there any Nursing homes on this island.  The answer was what for?
We have no need! Family takes care of the Yia Yia and Papous. If there is no family the village people care for them, bringing them plates of food, checking on them , taking them where they need to go.  But they elders are very much involved and respected.

if you no longer work, you help out by baby sitting, tending the goats, cooking for the family,  taking care of the churches, volunteering at the Panagia's whatever  needs to be done. There is a real sense of belonging, community and more importantly feeling needed.

Yesterday I met a 90 year old Greek orthodox retired  priest, he stopped by  on his motorcycle, after working in the olive groves and vineyards all day to have a glass of wine and tell stories. He was full of tales and more importantly full of life and laughter. I then met an older lady on the road i asked if I could take her picture, she kindly agreed, afterwards I asked if I could buy her a coffee, she said no my goats wait for me. Seems here on Ikaria the elderly are not pushed aside where they wait to die, they are celebrated and embraced and valued.

On Ikaria the elders are included in every aspect of life. They don't wait to be visited  on Sunday's at the Nursing home, they continue to live long and productive lives.

Ikarian fruits and veggies

Is it the wonderful  fruits and vegetables  grown here? It seems every household has a never ending supply of fresh vegatables and fruits grown from their vineyards and gardens

Last night we made this salad from Paschale and Marianna garden 

Daily ritual here pick the greens from garden to plate

Hummus made from chick peas Ikarian olive oil, plenty 

Of garlic. Everything is fresh crunchy

 Marianna made this Ikarian dish

First time I ate liver delicious

Kali orexi

Organic wine farm

It's our 1st night here at the farm, on Island of Ikaria. Here with us, Stuart who is originally from England his wife Sue. Currently reside in Connecticut. To travel half way around globe, only to meet someone from New  England.  What a small world we live in. Other couple, staying at farm, are traveling with a troop of puppeteers. She is from Athens &Yannis from Slovenia. 

 Eleni prepared farm to table meal. Homemade Pasta, salad, famous  sourdough bread, paired with their white wine Euphoria from  their vineyard.  Food was incredibly fresh, tasty.  We  also had pleasure of watching her effortlessly prepare all  her dishes, in a rustic, highly functional  kitchen.

The puppeteers pulled out their guitar they played and sang old Greek folk songs. It was a magical evening. 

                                       Odyssey Red Wine my favorite 

Eleni inviting kitchen

Eleni Filo dough recipe

290 Grams Water@ 37 Degrees Celsius
50 Grams olive oil
20 grams Vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
640 grams of flour
Make sure flour is with Semolina
Measure on scale not in measuring cup
Knead 20 minutes the more you knead the better the Filo
Dough should return when poked
Place in plastic bag@ room temperature
Rest 3 hours

Horta =Wild Greens

Could this be a contributor to longevity ?

Wild Greens picked on the mountainside 

Vleeta or Amaranth another name for this wild green,

Is what you will find growing in the mountains in  the month of June

Wash thouroughly

Prepared by boiling 10-20 minutes till soft

Add Olive oil and Lemon

Or also can be used uncooked in a salad form.

Kali orexi Good Appetite

Medicinal Hot Springs of Therma and Lefkada

The hot springs on Icaria boast some  of the best hot springs in the world, with temperature ranging 34-59 degrees Celsius. The thermometalic springs gush from the sea and reach the surface  through fault structures. These springs are known for their healing properties. Treating over 20 ailments  of Various forms arthritis, gout, disorders of the endocrine glands, skin ailments ,such as  psoriasis, exzema, fatigue just to name a few.  

We were a bit skeptical, but willing to try. We went to Therma  found the bathes to be closed and would  not open till 6pm. 

We opted for Lefkada springs, it's a bit of a hike over rocky uneven stones. We found spring, by markers of stacked rocks. Alone we submerge ourselves into sometimes almost burning waters,  mixed with the cool waters of Aegean Sea.We were   there  about 30 minutes.  We really didn't feel anything till we climbed out. Our  legs felt like they were made of rubber. 

We were told by the islanders, after your bath, you must rest for at least 1 hour and do nothing that day. I  can see why I was as weak as a kitten. On the ride home I slept the entire way. 

My husband I now have a ritual, every other week we go to Therma, for a therapeutic  massage, followed by soak in Hot springs. 

Lefgada Hot Springs

Marianna Ikarian Fava Recipe

Soak fava beans in water night before
Add same amount water to beans
1 onion
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Cook till soft
In  food processor blend all together
Mix till creamy
Serve with slices of onion, Parsley, and
Lemon
Kali orexi means good appetite