Thursday, 19 May 2011

Forget gyros and spanakopita, its all about the sesame seeds!

Sesame seed brittle, and an island cat eying my treat


Foodies are all too familiar with the culinary delights of Greece - greek salad, feta cheese, mousakas, gyros, and my undying favourite spanakopita. But dare I say they have become a bit mundane? 

I have somewhat of a history with Greece... My international modelling career began in the ancient city of Athens (a popular development market for models) where I became well acquainted with food from street vendors on-the-go between castings and jobs. There aren't really any healthy on-the-go food options in Athens, except for various street vendors selling a selection of nuts and seeds sweetened with honey and sugar. These nibbles became my allies when sustenance was needed, and I developed a true appreciation for their somewhat healthy, sweet, and crunchy allure. 
However, these small treats that are so common in Greece, often go unnoticed and unappreciated. Years on, during a recent weekend get-away to the islands of Poros and Hydra, after gorging on spanakopita and baklava, I was reacquainted with sesame seed brittle and sugar coated roasted nuts - the perfect crunch. My aim is to bring these treats into your consciousness, readers, so that you may try them yourselves one day...

I came across this old bakery that had apparently been open on the island of Hydra since the 1930s - seed brittles aplenty

Chowing down outside the bakery in a Belstaff jacket

Cars were prohibited on the island, so donkey was mode of transport of choice. I'm still regretting not taking a ride...

Sunset in the nearby island of Poros



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