Vefa's Kitchen

Introductory chapters on the history of Greek cuisine, the differences between regional cooking styles, descriptions of Greek ingredients such as herbs, cheeses and wines, and a detailed explanation of the many dishes associated with the Greek religious calendar. More than 700 recipes divided into chapters on mezedes, meat dishes, fish and shellfish, vegetables, cheese and dairy products, dips, filo pies, pulses, soups, sauces, breads and cookies, jams, sweets and cakes. Each chapter has an introduction with general cooking tips, preparation advice and further history of the dishes.

Vefa Alexiadou is the leading authority on Greek cookery. A bestselling author of thirteen cookbooks in Greece, she also has her own television series and regularly writes articles for magazines and gives lectures and demonstrations on Greek recipes. She has served on the board of the Centre for the Preservation of Traditional Greek Gastronomy.

'stretches far beyond Greek salad and moussaka' Sainsury's magazine, July 2009 'bulges with traditional recipes collected from all over Greece. - The Mediterranean diet was born in Greece [ - ] its constituents are cereals, beans, greens, herbs, olive oil, figs, grapes, wine and cheese: bet you feel healthier just reading these words. Delve in here to discover ways to cook all of the above' The Daily Telegraph magazine, 11 July 2009 'Potatoes or no potatoes? It's a question of often asked about classic Greek moussaka. If you have a copy of Vefa's Kitchen to hand, the argument will soon be settled. - packed with definitive recipes for much loved and often misunderstood classics, plus lesser known but no less delicious dishes from all over the country. - the recipes are clearly and carefully written, and ingredients kept accessible - Turn to page 419, by the way, for the solution to the moussaka conundrum, and if you actually make it, prepare for a life-changing experience!' Jamie, July 2009 'anyone who thought that Greek cuisine was the stuff you were served on your annual holiday [...] is in for a for a surprise. ... Yes, taramsalata, tzatziki and hummus are all there, but so is cuttlefish in wine, salt cod fritters and squid served with nettles. ... One surprise about the book is how well it caters for vegetarians.' Lena Corner, The Independent, 16 July 2009 'Phaidon [are] confident that this book will be a winner internationally. And they're not wrong. ... this book is possibly the most authoritative written in the English language. It kicks off with an overview of the regionality of Greek food, then goes straight into the recipes. It's all to the point and for people who cook; there is no 'lifestyle' element ... just lots of tested, clear recipes. The photography is equally simple and effective, immediately evocative of the food of the real Greece ... the book's a stunner, beautifully designed, and should give hours of pleasure of page-flicking joy and cooking