One of our finds was on the Greek island of Crete in the Mediterranean.  We found this small, traditional village of Vamos, on the western side of the island near the larger city of Chania.

Check out… www.vamosvillage.gr

Exploring the village, enjoying lunch at a local spot and participating in a 4 hour hands-on cooking class with Chef Koula was all part of the fun.  Koula has been cooking since she was a girl…encouraged like many of us, from our mothers.  Koula stresses the Cretan way of cooking…healthy, simple and
delicious. They eat meat only once a week and on special occasions.  Olive oil, vegetables, fruits, olives, cheeses and beans are a huge part of their diet. Cretan recipes are inspired by Italian, Middle Eastern, and Greek cuisines.

Culminating our day was a Cretan feast of 5 dishes that we helped prepare.  Eating family style on a long monastery-type table with colorful linens and
local wine and bread was memorable.  It was truly the highlight of our week in Crete.

Now, every 6 months we receive greetings from Vamos and Chef Koula.  She shares wonderful family recipes from her book,
Foods of Crete, by Koula Barydakis and Bill Bradley.

Try these recipes they sent us in December:
Pork with Leeks
Black Eyed Beans and Avocado Salad
Kali Oreksi!
Enjoy your meal!