Greek Desserts

Greek Desserts are the most amazingly delicious mixture of honey and almonds, thin crisp filo pastry with the slightest hint of rose.

Many Greeks and Cypriots don't eat huge amounts but normally finish off a meal with a tasty Glyka accompanied with ice cold water and Greek coffee. When at home some people still turn the cup over into the saucer and read the future from the coffee grains.

Those that enjoy these tasty dishes are spoilt for choice with favorites such as Baklava, Kataifi, Shamali and Bougatsa placed in tempting trays in restaurants and homes.

Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts are widely used and Karythopita (walnut cake) is a joy to eat and the mouth-watering pistachio ice cream is a favorite of many.

Kourabiedes are small rounds of shortbread covered with icing sugar and eaten for special occasions such as Christmas and weddings and throughout the year.

Small honey drenched buns called Melomakarona and semolina and nutty halva are decadently delicious as is rose flavored ice cream and fresh figs laced with honey and wine.

There are many wonderful Greek dessert recipes which are quite easy to make. If you don't have the time, most are available at the local zacharoplasteion (patisserie) where you can enjoy eating them with a glass of ice cold water or your favorite drink.