Wednesday, 4 September 2019

Tasty Summer Pickles

Squash Pickles

In the summer when there is a glut of squash and courgettes, why not make some pickles for the winter?










Ingredients:
2lb squash or courgettes, thinly sliced ( I used patty pan squash - some slices cut in half to get courgette size or you could mix them to get mix of yellow and green pickles)

1/21b onions, quartered and thinly sliced
1/4 cup salt
2 cups  sugar
2 cups vinegar
1 teaspoon celery seed - or coriander works well
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
2 teaspoons mustard seeds

 Method
  Place squash and onions into a large bowl, cover with water, and stir in the salt until it dissolves.
Leave the vegetables to soak in the salted water for at least 2 hours; drain and transfer to a large heatproof bowl or saucepan. 
  Bring sugar, vinegar, celery seed, turmeric, mustard, and mustard seeds to a boil in a saucepan; pour the mixture over the squash and onions. Let the mixture stand for at least 2 more hours.
Return squash, onions, and pickling liquid with spices to a large pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes. 

Pack the squash and onion into the warmed jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top with pickling liquid. 

 Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 24 hours before opening.

Tuesday, 3 September 2019

Cretan Cornucopia : Spa in Georgioupolis

Cretan Cornucopia : Spa in Georgioupolis: Ahead of my wedding I paid a visit to Georgioupolis Beauty and massage spa to find out what they offer and have a little pampering ...

Spa in Georgioupolis





Ahead of my wedding I paid a visit to Georgioupolis Beauty and massage spa to find out what they offer and have a little pampering










Pedicure



For a bride a manicure is always important






I also decided to have a body scrub and facial


In a pleasant atmosphere with relaxing music


My therapist was not only experienced in beauty treatments but also a trained physiotherapist.



I visited another day to have an upper back and neck massage to relieve a stiff neck.


Brows lashes and waxing


It was a wonderful and relaxing couple of hours


Yes I would do it again!

The Spa has a range of organic cosmetics and a wide range of therapies for both beauty and health. for more information you can find them on Beauty and Wellness

Thursday, 29 August 2019

Primping and Pampering part one.

We all like and deserve a bit of pampering from time to time and the run up to my recent wedding was the perfect time to indulge.
I also wanted to do everything locally to me so I visited the shops and salons in Georgioupolis. 





From choosing the dress  - though this was the one item that came from the UK.







hair



Photo courtesy of Hair Life salon





Nails

Over the next couple of days I will let you know more about how I got on!


Wednesday, 28 August 2019

Cretan Cornucopia : Eight easy veggie lunches

Cretan Cornucopia : Eight easy veggie lunches: These days even those of us not vegetarian are often looking for lighter, meat free options. The Cretan diet lends itself to this - esp...

Eight easy veggie lunches


These days even those of us not vegetarian are often looking for lighter, meat free options.
The Cretan diet lends itself to this - especial as they have several long fasting periods in the year.




A nice crunchy coleslaw with red cabbage, carrot and onion with a yoghourt and lemon juice dressing


Beetroot salad with walnuts, guacamole, feta. Serve with hot crusty bread


spinach pies



Mixed salad including rocket, mushrooms, fennel, apple, olives, figs, tomatoes, grapes.


How about some veggie souvlaki?


Peppers stuffed with rice and herbs




Green beans in tomato sauce



watermelon and feta salad ( with ouzo)


Don't forget to finish off with some seasonal fruit











Monday, 9 July 2018

Matala '18

A few shots from this year's Matala festival.


A great way to use your Dormobile!



Concerts on the main stage


Drum band. The little girl loved to dance!

Matala moon


Vassilis Papakonstandinou Yeaaaaa!


Great musicians on the Square stage too

There are photos from previous year's festival if you look in the archives :-)