Greek Headliner- George Kokinis

The new General Manager of the Cleveland Browns is Greek and has his work cut out for him! See article below.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3859833

NEW MUSIC- Marianta Pieridi

Famous Greek singer of Cyprus, Marianta Pieridi, who is known for her success in the Eurovision Song Contest and now renowned hits, “Meine Dipla Mou (Μείνε δίπλα μου – Stay at my side) and “Dj,” released her latest CD at the end of this past December. The CD is titled “Se Prokalo (ΣΕ ΠΡΟΚΑΛΩ – I Dare)” and is the artist’s sixth album. Nine tracks are featured on the new album including her new single “Milia Makria (ΜΙΛΙΑ ΜΑΚΡΙΑ – Miles Away).” The singer is commonly reviewed as one of Greece’s most scandalous artists, and her new album is classic Pieridi, strong, passionate and seductive. Many other acclaimed artists contributed to the making of Pieridi’s new album including Poseidon Yannopoulos on the new song “Filaki (ΦΥΛΑΚΗ - Prison).” Some other artists who are featured on the album include, Tassos Vougiatzis, Ageliki Makrinioti and Kostas Sengis.
Pieridi is one of my favorite Greek artists for her upbeat nature. She produces the kind of music that pumps you up and makes you want to dance. I often pull her up on my itunes while getting ready to go out or working out at the gym and definitely suggest a listen whether you understand Greek or not.
Listen to Pieridi’s headlining single from her new album below.




Tracklist:
1.ΣΕ ΠΡΟΚΑΛΩ
2.ΦΥΛΑΚΗ
3.ΜΙΛΙΑ ΜΑΚΡΙΑ
4.ΧΑΝΟΜΑΙ
5.ΣΤΗΝ ΥΓΕΙΑ ΣΟΥ
6.ΧΩΡΙΣ ΥΠΕΡΒΟΛΗ
7.ΜΙΑ ΖΕΣΤΗ ΜΙΑ ΚΡΥΟ
8.ΕΡΩΤΑ ΜΟΥ
9.ΔΥΟ ΤΡΕΙΣ ΜΕΡΕΣ ΤΟ ΠΟΛΥ

Pieridi also recently released a separate CD of a remix of her previously released single named “Tha doso resta (Θα Δώσω Ρέστα – I’ll give Change).” Typical of Pieridi’s music, the single has a strong Greek dance beat and powerful lyrics. The song entered the Greek Top 50 Singles Chart at number four and has remained on the top 50 chart since its release with a peak position at number three.
Below is the video of Pieridi’s original version of the single.

Simple Taste of Greece

Cooking is a huge part of the Greek culture, and for me there is no reason why the younger generation of Greek-Americans should not keep it up. Here are a couple recipes I recently tried. Both versions of the classic dishes are simplified down from how Yia Yia would have made them but a great way to get a taste of home and keep up your cooking skills when you’re tight on time and money.

Soupa Avgolemono

Ingredients:

One can of chicken broth
½ can of water (using chicken broth can)
½ cup orzo
1 egg
Lemon juice as preferred
Pepper

Bring chicken broth and water to a boil. Add orzo. Continue to boil until orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Turn off burner.
In a separate bowl whip egg white until it peaks. Add egg yolk and lemon juice beating continuously until combined. So you do not curdle the egg, temper it with one cup broth adding the broth in a slow constant stream into the egg mixture while whisking. Return entire mixture into broth. Add pepper to taste. Makes 2 servings and great with fresh bread.

Calamaria

Ingriedients:

1 package frozen squid
1 8 once can tomato sauce
1 can water (use sauce can)
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp parsley
1 onion
2 tbsp. virgin olive oil
Garlic powder, pepper and salt to taste

Thaw and rinse off squid. Cut squid into rounds of about a half inch wide. Add the virgin olive oil and onions to pan on medium heat. Cook until onions are browned.
While onions are browning mix tomato sauce, water, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a separate pot. Bring to a boil and cover.
Add onions once browned and squid. Cover again and let boil for another 20-25 minutes until squid is tender. Great just with bread but can be served over rice pilaf for a traditional presentation, or orzo or pasta. Makes 2 servings.

Enjoy!