Keik me Karota: Carrot Cake

In Greek: κεϊκ με καρότα, say: cake meh kah-ROH-tah

Western style cakes have been popular in Greece since the mid-20th century, but in Cyprus for ever due to the British that live there and this version of carrot cake with walnuts is delicious ... but different than most carrot cakes that have become popular in the US. It's a Canadian Version of it! The frosting is optional. But it's delicious!

The key to fabulous texture is in beating the sugar and eggs to a mousse-like consistency.

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Melomakarona: Honey & Spice Cookies

This is a great recipe of my Grandmother Despina!!!!

In Greek: μελομακάρονα (pronounced meh-lo-mah-KAH-ro-nah)

These honey-soaked cookies are a Christmas tradition all over Greece.

The recipe is very forgiving except in two areas: the dough should not be overworked or the cookies will become too dense; and the shape should be rounded, not flat or they will harden during baking. The baked cookies should have a texture slightly more dense than spice cake in order to absorb the syrup.

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Loukoumathes: Honey Puffs

In Greek: λουκουμάδες, pronounced loo-koo-MAH-thes

In many areas of Greece, Loukoumathes (also loukoumades) are a New Year's Eve tradition, and they are also made to celebrate the name day of St. Barbara (December 4). The Greek Jewish community also includes these small honeyed puffs at Hanukkah.

This recipe for loukoumathes calls for milk and a hefty helping of baking powder to create these small light fried balls of dough that are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with nuts.

Cook Time: 20 minutes