Authentic Greek Products & Recipes for Lent

As the season of lent unfolds, we invite you to savour the rich flavours and traditions of Greece with our handpicked selection of favourite meals and products. From hearty lenten dishes bursting with Mediterranean goodness to essential ingredients that capture the essence of Greek cuisine,  explore the vibrant tapestry of flavours that define this cherished time of year, brought to life by Krinos Canada’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

 

RECIPES & MEALS:

KALAMATA OLIVE DIP

HOMEMADE TARAMOSALATA

ARTICHOKES A LA POLITA

SPICED CAULIFLOWER WITH CANDIED CARROTS AND TAHINI DRESSING

PALIRIA GIGANTES

PALIRIA DOLMAS

PALIRIA LEMON CHICKPEAS WITH CARROTS AND HERBS

PALIRIA GREEK STYLE EGGPLANT

FILLO TWISTERS – POTATO & LEEK

PRODUCTS:

TARAMOSALATA

TAHINI

OLIVE MEZE

GIARDINIERA

RED ROASTED PEPPERS

HALVA

What’s in Store with Marissa Papakonstantinou : Krinos Twister’s Production Facility

Hey everyone, it’s Paralympic medalist sprinter and Canadian record holder Marissa Papaconstantinou! I’m proud to continue exploring my Greek heritage in partnership with Krinos Canada by visiting some amazing spots around the country.

As someone whose always on the go, from training, to charitable events, to speaking engagements, it can be tough to squeeze in the time to fuel my body the right way. I often put a quick crumble of Krinos Feta over salads to add a Mediterranean boost to my day, but when I’m craving something a little more, Krinos Fillo Twisters are my go-to!

To learn how the golden, flaky goodness is made, I met up with Peter Gekas, who along with his brother Bill, own and operate the Krinos Fillo Twister  Production Facility. What is now a 26,000 square foot facility just off Toronto’s Highway 7 had humble beginnings, when Peter’s parents opened a small bakery on the Danforth in 1979.

At the time, the local market wasn’t familiar with Mediterranean flavours like bougatsa (custard) or spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese pies), so Peter’s parents started out by making and selling apple pies. As a way to introduce customers to the traditional Greek pastries, they gave them away as free samples to their apple pie customers. Customers quickly fell in love with both the new and traditional flavours and the business took off from there!

Even though they are feeding mouths across the country now, the recipes and techniques used in the facility will always be rooted in his mother’s homemade methods.

“When we opened our first bakery, we were able to share our family staple with not just other Greek people, not just other Mediterranean people, but with a diverse group of individuals and cultures in Canada.” said Peter. 

On the production line today were the vegetarian-friendly Spinach and Feta Cheese Snack Size Twisters…it smelled as good as you think in there! It was amazing to see the process starting out from a 100kg block of fillo dough, to thin sheets of fillo, ready to be hand-rolled and hand-packed to perfection.

Over the years, they’ve introduced new fillings to the mix like Blueberry Pomegranate and Sautéed Ground Beef, taking inspiration from Canadian food culture and adding their own twist to it.

That’s all from me for now! Make sure to stay tuned for my next visit on the Krinos Canada Kitchen Blog.

What’s in Store with Marissa Papaconstantinou: Pusateri’s Avenue Rd

Hey everyone, it’s Paralympic medalist sprinter and Canadian record holder Marissa Papaconstantinou! I’m proud to continue exploring my Greek heritage in partnership with Krinos Canada by visiting some amazing spots around the country spreading #FetaCulture.

Now that I’m well into my training program for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France, I’ve had to lay off my favourite sweets & indulgences. But, that hasn’t stopped my coach Bob Westman from teasing us during our tough practices, snacking on a cupcake or two. He’s got a huge sweet tooth and one his favourite spots to fulfill confectionary dreams is at Pusateri’s Fine Foods, so I had to check it out!

I visited their flagship location on Avenue Road in Toronto, Ontario to meet up with Pusateri’s marketing lead, Paolo Pusateri. It’s where it all started for them in 1963 when Paolo’s grandfather, Cosimo, had a vision for a neighbourhood shop that provided the best food combined with best shopping experience.

The family calls Sicily, Italy home and the Mediterranean influence on the product selection is evident here right up to the Krinos Feta Cheese they feature on retail shelves and also use in their delectable ready-to-eat foods.

“Well, Krinos is a staple. You can’t really get better local quality. They have amazing feta made from Canadian milk.” mentioned Paolo. He tells me that Pusateri’s spends a lot of time sourcing only the best products, working with local vendors and international producers to create a fresh emporium of gourmet goods.

One of Paolo’s favourite ways to use Krinos Feta Cheese is that TikTok famous pasta recipe…one of my go to’s too for quick and tasty fuel after a long day of training. That’s all from me for now! Make sure to stay tuned for my next visit on the Krinos Canada Kitchen Blog.

Festive Favourites – Recipes for the Holidays

Get ready to indulge in the magic of the season with Krinos Canada! This year, we’ve curated a collection of our favorite holiday recipes that seamlessly fuse sophistication with a dash of festive flair. Join us on a delectable journey that will transform every bite into a festive celebration, setting the stage for unforgettable moments!

Feta Fillo Cigars with Olive Tapenade and Hot Honey
Crispy layers of fillo pastry embracing a tangy Feta cheese filling, dipped in a medley of olives and a drizzle of hot honey. These Feta Fillo Cigars are a delightful fusion of textures and flavours, that will undoubtedly steal the spotlight at your festive soirée.

https://krinos.ca/recipes/feta-fillo-cigars/

 

Sesame-Oregano Fillo Crisps with Warm Spanakopita Dip
Elevate your holiday appetizers with our Sesame-Oregano Fillo Crisps that are perfecting paired with a warm spanakopita dip. Layers of baked fillo, sprinkled with a fragrant blend of sesame and oregano, serve as the perfect vessel for diving into the creamy goodness of the spanakopita dip. It’s an appetizer that effortlessly marries tradition with contemporary touch.

https://krinos.ca/recipes/sesame-oregano-fillo-crisps-with-warm-spanakopita-dip/

 

Roasted Red Pepper & Sweet Potato Soup
Warm up your holiday gatherings with a bowl of our Roasted Red Pepper & Sweet Potato Soup. Topped with crostini and feta cheese, this velvety soup is a harmony of sweet and savoury – The roasted red peppers add a depth of flavour, while the sweet potatoes bring a hint of natural sweetness, creating a soup that’s both indulgent and heartwarming.

https://krinos.ca/recipes/roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-and-feta-soup/

 

Vegetarian Baked Stuffing with Feta
Say goodbye to bland stuffing and embrace a Vegetarian Baked Stuffing that steals the show. Packed with the richness of Feta, this stuffing is a savoury symphony of seasonal veggies, fresh, herbs, fluffy bread, and the unmistakable tang of Greek cheese. It’s the ideal accompaniment to your holiday feast, adding a burst of flavor that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

https://krinos.ca/recipes/vegetarian-feta-baked-stuffing/

 

Tahini Espresso Trifle
End your holiday celebration on a high note with the pièce de résistance – Tahini Espresso Trifle. This dessert features a delightful play on textures and flavours, with layers of rich tahini-infused cream, espresso-soaked cake, fresh raspberries, and a hint of holiday magic. It’s an elegant sweet treat that will captivate your guests’ tastebuds!

https://krinos.ca/recipes/espresso-tahini-trifle/

Crunchy, chocolatey, hazelnut filling wrapped in layers of flaky golden fillo dough – get ready to indulge!

When it comes to creating delightful desserts that are both impressive and easy to make, Krinos Fillo dough is a game-changer. This thin, flaky pastry is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your baking game to a whole new level. It is an incredibly convenient ingredient for creating intricate pastries like strudels, baklava, and more.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes Krinos Fillo so special. Fillo dough, also known as phyllo or fillo, is a paper-thin pastry dough that’s been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries. It’s prized for its versatility and ability to create incredibly flaky and crispy layers when baked.

Krinos fillo dough is the secret ingredient that elevates this Chocolate Hazelnut Fillo Strudel to gourmet status. Its thin and delicate sheets are perfect for creating layers of crispy goodness in this dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 package of Krinos fillo dough (16 sheets)
1 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread
1 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts
1/2 cup of melted butter
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

Prep Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure you have all your ingredients within easy reach.

Prepare the Fillo Dough: Carefully unroll the Krinos fillo dough and cover it with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.

Layer the Fillo Sheets: Lay one sheet of fillo dough on your work surface and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, stacking five sheets on top of each other, brushing each one with butter as you go.

Spread the Goodness: Once you’ve stacked five sheets, spread a generous layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over the top sheet. Sprinkle finely chopped hazelnuts on top of the spread.

Roll It Up: Carefully roll the fillo dough and filling into a log, ensuring that the ends are sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Place the rolled strudel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush with Butter: Brush the entire strudel with more melted butter. This will help it achieve that beautiful golden brown color when baked.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the strudel is crispy and golden brown.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the Chocolate Hazelnut Fillo Strudel with powdered sugar and drizzle it with a touch of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. Allow the strudel to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Krinos Fillo makes it effortless to create stunning desserts like this one. The next time you want to impress your family and friends with a sweet masterpiece, try our Chocolate Hazelnut Fillo Strudel recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

Get the full recipe here