My Big Fat Greek Easter - Food & Traditions for Pascha

Greek Easter falls on Sunday, May 5th this year. I know it's still very early to begin planning, or even thinking about the menu - but lately I've been researching recipes of meals that occupy our typical "trapezi (table)" and wanted to share with you our food and traditions for this very special day.

The feast of Greek Easter is one of my favorites (Equal to Thanksgiving). Each year, the planning begins when the ladies of the family sit down in the kouzina and discuss the sacred menu. The menu is usually no different from previous Paschas (Easter's) - but its a tradition we love - and it adds to the excitement leading up to the big day.  

Now don't get me wrong, my mother and theia (aunt) do a wonderful job of hosting when Yiayia Kiki is in Greece, but this year we are lucky enough to have Yiayia with us. Celebrating Greek Easter is much more special when we have the matriarch of our family running the kouzina and gracing us with her presence at the trapezi.

Greek Easter does not feel whole without the ritual trip to Astoria, NY. Since I will hopefully be returning back to work soon, I know I might not be able to make this trip with my mother any longer - but the years I've spent doing it have created some of the most amazing memories.  There is such a beautiful, hectic, euphoric presence that occupies the streets and "magazia (stores)" in Astoria. I yearn for that sentimental happiness this place brings me year after year. While in Astoria, we make 3 traditional stops:

Typical long lines at Plaza Meat Market right before Greek Easter

Titan for basically everything but vegetables, meat, and sweets, but specifically for their Thessalia Feta and Kalamata Olives
Plaza Meat Market for Souvlakia (Pork Kebobs), Katzikaki (Baby Goat), Kokoretzi (lamb or goat intestine wrapped on a long skewer) and Arni (Lamb - for those who don't eat no meat). We also buy lamb intestine & heart for the traditional Greek Easter soup Mayeritsa.
Victory Sweet Shop for Tsoureki (Traditional Greek Easter Sweet bread with a Red Egg centered)

My beautiful Mama preparing for Greek Easter 2011

 Preparations for Greek Easter start days ahead of Sunday. The hard boiled eggs dipped in Red Dye, Spanakopita, and Sarmades (Stuffed Cabbage and Grape Leaves) are always amongst the first. The rest are typically prepared the day of Easter Sunday. Here is an example of our traditional menu:

Mezethes A.K.A Things To Pick At While We Wait:

Thessalia Feta & Kalamata Olives drizzled with Olive Oil & Oregano
Spanakopita (refer here for my recipe from a previous post)
Skordialia (Garlic Dip)
Toursi (Pickled Vegetables)
Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip)
Pita Bread Triangles

Main Dishes: 

Mayeritsa (Traditional Greek Easter Soup)
Arni (Lamb on the Grill)

Kokeretzi (Lamb Intestine on the grill)
Katzikaki (Baby Goat on the grill)
Souvlakia (Pork Kebabs on the grill)
Patates sto fourno (Oven Roasted Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, & Oregano)
Kritharaki (Orzo)
Sarmades (Grape & Cabbage Leaves stuffed with Rice)
Horta (Boiled Greens drizzled with Olive Oil & Lemon)
Marousalata (Greek Salad with Romaine Lettuce)

Octopodi Salata (Grilled Octopus Salad, I'm adding this to the menu - we needed something seafood)

Dessert:

Tsoureki (Traditional Greek Easter Sweet Bread)

Koulorakia (Cookies usually only made when Yiayia is visiting)

Katayifi (Almond & Walnut Pastry in Shredded, Honey Drizzled Phyllo Dough)

Drinks:

Water

Frappe (Iced Instant Coffee)

White Wine

Red Wine

Tsipouro (Homemade Ouzo)

Buffet Style Trapezi (Table) for Greek Easter 2010

Our family exchanges Easter wishes by saying, "Christos Anesti (Christ is risen)" and in response, you say, "Alithos Anesti (He has risen indeed)". While eating dessert, we always play the traditional game called "Tsougrisma". There are two players and two red eggs. One person hits the egg, and whosoever egg did not crack is the winner, and goes onto the next opponent. The person who's egg survives the hits with no cracks is the winner of this game. 

We spend the day doing what we always do: Eating, Laughing, Debating, and Thanking God for all he's given us and our growing family. I am beyond excited for the next few weeks leading up to Greek Easter. I can't wait to learn some new recipes and share with you all. Until then...

Kali Orexi!
- Sophia Eleni