Clean Monday on Beautiful Mykonos

We are in Mykonos this weekend and having a wonderful time. This morning we had three fresh eggs from the chickens in the backyard. The yolk was very yellow and we could taste the fresh and natural flavor. We also had fresh goats cheese made by Nikos's family. His father was drinking goat's milk too which I have learned is one of the healthiest drinks that can be incorporated into your diet. I do believe that living "off the land" and eating natural lengthens and betters your life. I can say that we feel great today and are looking forward to our next meal already!

Another picture I have included is one of our feast for Clean Monday- a Greek holiday that celebrates the first day of fasting (40 days before Easter). We had octopus, shrimp, crab, dolmas, fish-egg (caviar) pate, sun dried tomatoes, special "fasting" bread and delicious halvas. My favorite is always the octopus but today it was definitely the shrimp. I will find the recipe and share with you as it is the best shrimp I have EVER had. Thank you so much to my Greek family for making this holiday so special for me.

The benefits of Goat Cheese

Goat's milk and goats milk cheese are great sources of a number of important nutrients and vitamins:

• the amino acid tryptophan
• phosphorus
• riboflavin or vitamin B2 (which plays important roles in the body's energy production)
• potassium (which helps prevent high blood pressure and protects against arteriosclerosis)
• goat's milk contains 25 percent more vitamin B-6 than cow's
• vitamin A is 47% higher in goat's milk, too!
• three times as much niacin. It is also four times higher in copper.
• Goat's milk also contains 27 percent more of the antioxidant selenium than cow's milk.

http://www.bellechevre.com/goat-cheese-health-benefits.php

Cafe Le Petite Fleur- Kolonaki

I met a friend for tea at the cutest cafe in Kolonaki. It is quite small which makes it cozy and warm. Smoking is not allowed inside and the decor reminds me of a swanky New Orleans or Parisian cafe.The menu lists local, natural ingredients and came highly recommended by Liz (Liz's Cupcakes.) I ordered cinnamon-orange black tea and my friend ordered Roobios Tea it came with a delicious cookie (I ate my friend's cookie as well!!) A great aspect of our visit was our sweet waiter, who was both kind and generous and took great care of us. Nikos and I have arranged to have a coffee date here together and we will be sure to taste the sweets and write about our adventure.

The Magical Spice: Cinnamon-Kanela

Today I would like to share one of my favorite spices with you. Cinnamon its more than just a spice, it is a power food that can bring many benefits to your health. Some potential gains & characteristics of cinnamon include:

1. Attacks fat and has proven to reduce obesity

2. Smelling cinnamon boosts memory

3. Just 1/2 tsp a day has proven to lower LDL cholesterol

4. Fights cancer cells

5. A remedy for arthritis

6. Has manganese, fiber, iron, & calcium

All this from just a spice! I sprinkle cinnamon on my cereal, oatmeal, tea and yogurt and whenever I am baking I add it to the recipe.

Nice n Easy- Organic Restaurant in Kolonaki

Last night we had a family dinner at the cutest restaurant in Kolonaki. The prices were very reasonable and the menu included local, biological products. I had sushi and grilled vegetables- very fresh and flavorful.

The decor reminded me of Hollywood- black and white photos of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, etc. The dishes are named after old actors and musicians- such as "The Frank Sinatra Plate." We had such a great time and highly recommend this restaurant.

http://www.niceneasy.gr/

PS I am so lucky to have my Greek family- they are such a gift :)