Welcome! - "Kalos Irthate"

Kiki's "Kouzina" = Kiki's "Kitchen"



Kalos Irthate to my Yiayia "Kiki's Kouzina". This blog's aim is to share recipe's with you from my Yiayia's Kouzina!

Kyriaki a.k.a. "Kiki" was born in a little village in Northern Greece in 1932.



Current Day View from the Village

Yiayia Kiki was born into tough times and had to grow up quickly. While the grown-ups were out in the tobacco fields, Yiayia, the eldest daughter, was reponsible for maintaining the cleaning and cooking of the household. Yiayia and our family grew up poor for the most part. She cooked many soups and stews from what was available: Barley, Mint, Green Beans, Eggplant, and Lentils - and though they survived, she was never able to put a meal on the table for her siblings and her kids the way she fortunately puts a meal together for her grandchildren. 

Things improved when Yiayia and Papou (Greek for Grandfather) moved to Astoria, New York in 1970. Although times were still tough, she was able to provide more for her family. Yiayia and Papou moved back to Greece in 1989. I was very fortunate to be able to spend many summers with my Yiayia and Papou in Greece. I learned to love and appreciate some of the best cuisine this planet has to offer, and through the years, I have watched Yiayia cook my favorite meals - but I did not learn them. 

Yiayia has blessed our kitchen with some of the most delicious, savory meals I have ever had the privelage to taste! My aim is to keep alive and share her love for her children, grandchildren, and cooking with you all! While I am still lucky enough to have my Yiayia in my life, I will try as much as I can to cook with her some of her best recipes fresh from her Kouzina and record them on this blog...and maybe even strengthen my Greek speaking skills a bit more!

I hope you enjoy "Kiki's Kouzina"!

- Sophia Eleni