Recipe Sharing

Here are the recipes from our Greek Feast:

Gyros
This is a simple version of Gyros that has a yummy but mild flavor. We ate it "taco style" in Greek pitas with shredded lettuce and a cucumber sauce (see below).
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1618,159191-242192,00.html

Cucumber Gyro Sauce
This was delicious! Tips: After grating the cucumber make sure you drain it really good. I omitted the mustard. Chill overnight.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cucumber-Gyro-Sauce/Detail.aspx

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
This was my first time baking with phyllo dough and found it wasn't as tricky as I thought it was going to be. And it was definitely worth the trouble. Tips: Drain spinach mixture thoroughly and let it cool completely before mixing it with the cheeses. I brushed butter between the layers of dough instead of olive oil and a used probably 8 sheets on the bottom and 8 sheets on the top. There was a lot of filling (and I used less than the 2 lbs of spinach called for) and could probably be divided between two pans of pie. It took longer than 40 to bake.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spanakopita-Greek-Spinach-Pie/Detail.aspx

Oia Greek Salad
This salad uses a store bought Greek salad dressing (which is what I did) but you could also just use olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The kalamata olives make this salad authentic but have a very strong flavor. Add according to taste. I have been eating the leftovers of this salad in pita bread topped with the cucumber sauce. Yummy!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Oia-Greek-Salad/Detail.aspx

Ambrosia Salad
My sister made this salad so I don't know the exact recipe but you can find one online. Again - it's not Greek food per-say but it is known as the "food of the gods!" This is usually a favorite of the kids and anyone over the age of 65 (no offense Dad).

Greek Home-style Chicken
4-6 pieces chicken (I used chicken breasts but would have preferred tenders or thighs)
Juice of 2 lemons
4-5 potatoes, peeled and sliced or cubed
1/2 C olive oil
1/2 C water
1 head garlic, the cloves peeled but whole
Oregano, salt and pepper to taste

Place chicken in shallow baking tray. Arrange potatoes around chicken pieces. Scatter whole garlic cloves around chicken and potatoes. Mix together lemon juice and olive oil and pour evenly over chicken and potatoes. Add water until potatoes are just about covered. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover all with generous amounts of oregano. Bake 350 for about 30 minutes. Turn chicken, stir potatoes and sprinkle on more oregano. Return to oven until chicken is done.

Greek Orange Cake
This had a texture like a pound cake and a really nice flavor. It says to use an angel food cake pan but it turned out great in a bundt pan. I used orange flavor yogurt instead of plain. And don't forget to use the orange juice glaze!
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1626,153189-253194,00.html

Baklava
Check out my brother's blog to see the recipe. It turned out marvelous! And check out his other recipes while your there!
http://kipsrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/01/baklava.html

Enjoy!