Greek Honey Puffs - Loukoumades

Loukoumades are the ultimate comfort food. Most of us know them as Greek Honey Puffs, but their name is Loukoumades or more accurately Loukoumathes. As fancy as they seem, they are fairly simple to make; however, they have to be served hot which is why often times you won't find them at Greek gatherings. This sweet temptation is ideal for the late days of summer, which is why we chose them to be our first recipe as Fall is just around the corner.

Ingredients:

0.5 ounces of active dry yeast
31/2 cups of flour

1 cup of warm water

1 cup of milk
1 tbsp of sugar
1 tsp salt
3 tsp olive oil

For the toppings you will use:
Honey
Cinnamon
Crushed walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water. 
2. Add the rest of the ingredients in the same bowl and mix well until you get a porridge like consistency. That will be your base batter for loukoumades.
3. Cover the batter and set it near a warm place for 1-2 hours and allow it to rise. You will notice that it will develop bubbles on top. That is normal and a good sign that the yeast is doing its magic.
4. In a deep fryer, pour vegetable oil and set on high heat. The vegetable oil should be hot, but not smoking; this is key for a beautiful consistency of loukoumades as you will avoid burning the outside before the inside is sufficiently cooked.
4. Drop tablespoon sized dough balls (use your hands to squeeze tablespoon size doses of dough into a spoon) in the hot oil and deep fry. Make sure the dough is golden on all sides.
5. Take the puffs out of the oil and set in a bowl or plate lined with paper towels (they will absorb the majority of the grease from deep frying). Allow them to sit for a few minutes and top them off with honey and cinnamon.

If you find that you like a thinner consistency in honey, you can mix some of it with water and bring to a boil. You will then remove the bubbles that develop and use the syrup like mix that remains as your honey topping for the loukoumades. 

Greek Breakfast - Strained Yogurt with Thyme Honey and Granola

Start your morning, Greek Style!  Here is a quick and super healthy way to start your day dynamically with plenty of protein and a boost to your immune system. 

To prepare your bowl or fancy cup of goodness you will need:

1 7oz container of strained Greek yogurt (we love Fage 2% for this recipe)
1/2 cup granola
1/2 cup Greek raw thyme honey

optional: if you want a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants you can add some fresh blueberries. 

Empty the yogurt contents to your favorite breakfast bowl or cup.
Add the Greek thyme honey.
Top with granola clusters.

Sit back and enjoy!

Why Greek Honey…

 

What product was eaten by the Greek gods, used for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and stored up to centuries?  Honey. Zeus, the king of the gods, ate honey when he was an infant; and it was honey that also helped Apollo’s son gain immortality. Modern research is starting to understand how honey benefits wounds and burn treatments and at the same time, indicating that eating local honey does not necessarily help with your allergies.

One thing to note is that the flavor of honey changes depending on the plant’s nectar that is used to make it. Greece, with a plethora of microclimates offers amazing varieties that possess fragrances and flavors like no other. Sage, Wild Oak, Clover, Thyme and Wildflower to name a few, are all very unique.  Like olive oil, Greek honey is distinctive and known for its superior quality. Our personal favorite flavor originates from the Thyme blossom found on the dry, rocky, Dodecanese Island in southern Greece. Thyme Blossom Honey has a taste of citrus, rosemary, and cotton candy and makes an ordinary cup of tea absolutely extraordinary!

You can give up sugar for a nutritional alternative with good calories not only for your body but for your soul as well...

Want to try some amazing flavors in honey?  Browse to find your favorite here: