Friday Night Dinner Project: Greek Dinner

After reading this menu several months ago, I decided to save it for summer for no other reason than that I thought it seemed like a wonderful summer meal - and it is!

Let's get to it:

Wild Mushroom Mini Strudels (aka Spinach and Feta Mini Strudels)
My husband refuses to eat mushrooms (although I love them), so I was very glad to see the alternate filling suggest of spinach and feta for this recipe.  If you are nervous about working with phyllo pastry this is an excellent recipe to start off with - it is very easy to make, looks good and tastes delicious!  The spinach and feta filling was quick to whip up - and even my young son was eager to eat these spinach strudels.

The other filling suggestion a mushroom and goat cheese combination - sounds delicious.

Greek Salad in Cucumber Basket with Grilled Pita

This is the salad you want to make when you are having company, or when you need to take a salad to a summer picnic.  This is a truly wonderful Greek salad that can be served with or without lettuce.  It does not take long to prepare and it tastes simply excellent. (Click here for a somewhat similar recipe from Bonnie Stern.)

Swordfish Souvlaki with Lemon Dressing and Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
The intro notes to this recipe suggest that it can be made with extra-firm tofu, lamb, chicken, fresh tuna, or swordfish.  I opted for chicken, mainly for cost reasons.  This recipe is quick and easy to make.  Also of note - is the tzatziki recipe that accompanies it.  This recipe merits its own page in the book, although it does not get one.  This tzatziki has graced our table on many, many occasions.  I whip it up on my Cuisinart mini food processor in a matter of minutes.  Of course, it tastes great with this chicken, or as a dip with fresh vegetables, or grilled pita.  I really enjoyed the rice - it has a light lemon flavour.

Greek Wedding Cookies
You guys.  These cookies!!!
These cookies are simply divine.  I could (um I did) eat almost the entire batch myself.  I do not drink coffee - but I imagine that these cookies would be really nice with a strong cup of coffee.  The recipe says they melt in your mouth - and they do.  Soooooo good.  It is a real pity I cannot find the recipe for these reproduced with permission online.  Buy the book people!!

Lemon Yogurt Cake with Lemon Glaze
This was not my first time making this recipe.  It's a good one.  The Lemon Yogurt Cake is surprisingly moist and very sweet.  I always make it with unflavoured yogurt and not the buttermilk.  I have also made it with lime instead of lemon (I love lime).  This was the first time I made the Lemon Glaze for the cake, and I have to say that even though the glaze is delicious, I actually found it incredibly sweet (too sweet for me) when paired with this already sweet cake.  It was good - but definitely for someone with a real sweet tooth.  This cake is just fabulous on its own or topped with mixed berries and a bit of fresh whipped cream.  I have made it in a loaf pan, for this time I made it in a round 9 inch pan.  Delicious.

More Friday Night Dinner Menus to come in a few weeks!