Matala Musings

Many of you will have visited or seen photos of Matala in the height of the season and during the Music Festival. Now towards the end of the season it is not so busy, but still lovely.

Still warm enough to swim

This dog was concerned when his owner went for a swim off the rocks

Waiting!

Matala is full of music, whatever time of the year you visit

Colours of Matala

The painted roads are still vibrant

Shops beginning to close for the winter..

Autumn evenings

Autumn is here and even here in Crete it is quite cold in the early mornings and evenings. Only five degrees in Vrysses when I went to work this morning.

Time to get cosy 

The log burner provides heat and cooking facilities

 - If you can reach the logs when Simba is sleeping on them - he is not a cat to disturb!

Rosie prefers more comfort

As does Suki

Time for some winter comfort food

Cod with leeks

A piece of cod for each person. 

A bowl of leeks (with a little butter if liked)

Chopped onions, fried in the usual way.

Add salt, chopped leeks and garlic. Stir

Add oregano and a little wine, stir together. ( add parsley, if liked)

Add salt and pepper to taste and the juice of half a lemon.

When mixture has come to the boil carefully add the cod pieces into the liquid. 

Cover the pan, reduce heat and cook for half an hour

Ten reasons to look forward to autumn in Crete

Yes, here on Crete we do have a winter and this weeks "Medicane" reminded us of it.

Still, it is not all bad:

Yes the sea gets a bit rough!

The long awaited rain poured down!

Beaches were deserted

The Tsigoudia ( raki) making got underway

The animals were checking out good places to sleep!

Time for good warming stews and casseroles

Blackeyed beans

Gigantes

Liver with egg and lemon sauce

And a couple of comforting puds too

Time to curl up with a good book and a cuppa!