I hear my mother speaking to me. Sometimes in a loud, and obvious way, and sometimes in a soft and soothing way. Her complete confidence in me and steadfast belief that I could do anything has always given me a cushion to land on. And her resounding faith in God is the single most important gift she gave me. Her faith, our faith, gives me courage every single day.
My Father
My father, who through years of unending true and absolute love, as well as a great deal of patience has blessed me with the self confidence to tackle anything I choose in life.
My Husband, Chuck
Chuck, supports and encourages me in being the best person I can be. Who loves me unconditionally and lifts me up when I need dusting off! He inspires me to work harder, tougher and smarter. He is our family’s rock!
My Grandma, Dora
Later in life she battled Alzheimer’s disease so many things she said were incredibly repetitive but one phrase has always stuck with me: “Sit here, sit here.” Oh what I wouldn’t give to sit beside my grandma now.
My Father
My father always said that it was our duty to help others that were less fortunate than ourselves because not all people are equally blessed in life. Compassion and kindness towards others is essential in life! I try to live by those words everyday!
My grandmother, Delia Tighe
I hear the voice of my grandmother, Delia Tighe. Nana’s Sunday dinners helped shaped my childhood and instilled in me my love of family and faith in God. For my mother, my sisters and myself, Nana encouraged us to be confident, independent women. I hope that I am able to pass these same life lessons onto my own daughters with the same grace that Nana always had.
Tzatziki Recipe
- 2 cups of Plain Greek Yogurt – you can use a 17.6 oz. container of Fage 2% Greek Yogurt (my personal favorite)
- ½ of an English cucumber or 1 large regular cucumber
- 1 or 2 cloves of fresh garlic
- A few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- A few tablespoons of vinegar, I prefer white balsamic or red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Put the yogurt in a medium sized bowl
- Peel the cucumber. I prefer the English cucumber; it has a firmer texture than a regular cucumber. Grate the cucumber and place the pulp in a dish towel or in several paper towels. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Dump the dried pulp in the bowl and mix.
- Mince or grate 1 clove of fresh garlic and add to the bowl. You can add the second clove depending on how potent you like the flavor.
- Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Add 3 or 4 tablespoons of vinegar, I prefer more vinegar as I like my Tzatziki tangy.
- Add salt to taste
- Mix everything well. You can serve right away but I like to refrigerate for at least an hour to bring out the flavors
Tomatoes and Eggs
In When The Cypress Whispers, one of Daphne and Yiayia’s favorite dishes is also one of the simplest. Like Daphne, I can remember sitting with my Yia-yia and enjoying the simple, exquisite perfection of tomatoes and eggs. There is nothing better than picking earthy ripe tomatoes from the vine and cooking them over an open fire with freshly hatched eggs from the hen house. But hey, since we all can’t live on a lovely Greek island, tomatoes and eggs from the grocery store will be just as delicious.
- 4 medium sized tomatoes
- 4 eggs
- A few splashes of extra virgin olive oil
- A few leaves of fresh basil or a sprig of fresh thyme
- Salt to taste
- Dice the tomatoes and drain the extra liquid.
- Coat a medium sized pan with olive oil and add the tomatoes. Cover and simmer on low heat, stirring a few times until they lose their firm texture and are now mushy and thick. Usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Take a spoon and clear 4 spaces in the pan, pushing the tomatoes aside so you now have places to put the eggs.
- Crack the eggs into the spaces you created with your spoon and cover. Cook on low heat for about 2 or 3 minutes, depending upon how firm you like your eggs cooked. I like my yolks soft, but not runny.
- Remove the cover and when the eggs are just about done, add your basil leaves (they should be torn into small pieces) or sprinkle on some fresh thyme…both are delicious.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Remove from the pan and serve