Search
Home Blog Page 1422

Greek-inspired Christmas cocktails

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek-inspired Christmas cocktails

Celebrating Christmas in summer comes with certain perks, and a lot of them centre around a thirst-quenching cocktail on a warm summers day.

Here a 5 Greek-inspired Christmas cocktails that will give your Christmas day a touch of Greek summer:

Recipe via recipegirl.com

Metaxa Mojito

Ingredients:

  • 4 sprigs fresh mint
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 15ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 45ml Metaxa
  • 15ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed ice
  • 30ml tonic water, chilled

Method:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint with the brown sugar and lime juice.
  2. Add the Metaxa, lemon juice and ice.
  3. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
  4. Top with a splash of the club soda.
Recipe via The Spruce Eats

Ouzo and Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 60ml ouzo
  • 45ml lemon juice
  • 3 mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 90ml water (iced)

Method:

  1. Pour ouzo into glass.
  2. Add lemon juice and mint leaves, muddle to release flavours in mint leaves.
  3. Add honey and mix until honey dissolves.
  4. Pour water in glass and mix. If needed, add more water to dilute the ouzo taste.

*Alternatively, mixing ouzo, ice and Sprite is an extremely simple and refreshing drink!

Recipe via Cooking with Ruthie

Blueberry & Lemon Mastiha Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 60ml Mastiha Liqueur, chilled
  • 90ml soda water, chilled
  • 1 lemons
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cups crushed ice

Method:

  1. Poke/open each blueberry to release flavour.
  2. Combine Mastiha Liqueur and blueberries, refrigerate for 30 minutes to soak.
  3. In a freezer safe container spread blueberries in a single layer and freeze for 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Cut lemon in half for a fresh squeeze of lemon juice in each cocktail.
  5. To serve: add 1/2 cup crushed ice, 1/2 cup Mastiha Liqueur blueberries, 30ml Mastiha Liqueur, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and fill to the top with sparkling soda water.
Recipe via Nine Kitchen/1821 Sydney

Ouzotini (from 1821 Restaurant, Sydney)

Ingredients:

  • 15ml ouzo
  • 30ml Absolut Vodka
  • 15ml Peach Schnapps
  • cinnamon stick
  • lime

Method:

  1. Pour ouzo, Absolut Vodka and Peach Schnapps into cocktail shaker.
  2. Mix together with muddled mint and lime.
  3. Shake until slightly diluted.
  4. Pour into glass, garnish with lime and cinnamon stick.
Recipe via The Hungry Bites

Cucumber, Lime and Tsipouro

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 tablespoons tsipouro
  • 1/3 cup (80 grams) cucumber juice
  • 1/4 of a lime
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup tonic water
  • 4 ice cubes
  • Ice cubes, 2 green olives (pitted), cucumber slices (to serve)

Method:

  1. To extract cucumber juice, blend the cucumbers in the blender or food processor and put a large piece of cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the pureed cucumbers over the cheesecloth, wrap tightly and squeeze hard.
  2. In a shaker, lightly muddle the mint with the sugar, salt, and lime.
  3. Add the tsipouro, the cucumber juice, and the ice cubes and shake very well.
  4. Pour in a tall glass, add soda water, 2-3 cucumber slices, and fill with ice cubes.
  5. Pierce the olives with a toothpick and place them on the rim of the glass.

8 Zimbabwean young footballers trial for Panathinaikos

The Greek Herald
-
0
8 Zimbabwean young footballers trial for Panathinaikos

8 promising young footballers from the City Football Academy are set to trial for two European football teams, Spain’s Barcelona and Greece’s Panathinaikos.

The opportunity came about after the team excelled at the annual thanksgiving tournament held in Zambia, where scouts from both Barcelona and Panathinaikos were impressed by the youngsters.

The 8 are:

  1. Nigel Vhera (14),
  2. Kelvin Moses (13),
  3. Tinashe Kativhu (12),
  4. Kupakwashe Mazokera (11),
  5. Tadiwanashe Mavhurure (12),
  6. Blessing Chikwariro (14),
  7. Lawrence Muromo (13)
  8. Rishon Mazivire

Speaking about the impending trials, the academy’s coach Agrippa Guti said:

“Their attitude and level of professionalism was outstanding and as a result, they were picked by these teams. I’m sure this could be the beginning of big things in their careers. The boys will be leaving early next year either in February or March.”

“As City Football Academy we are really proud of these boys and we are confident they will go represent us and the country well. They are a group of young and talented footballers.”

Sourced via Pindula

Scott Morrison releases “opinion” statement on bushfires and climate change

The Greek Herald
-
0
Scott Morrison releases “opinion” statement on bushfires and climate change

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under heat for his responses to the Australian bushfires that are proving to be the worst bushfires the country has ever seen.

The fires have taken lives, including those of Geoff Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer – two firefighters who lost their lives on Thursday.

The Prime Minister released a statement after meeting the families of Geoff and Andrew.

“Geoff and Andrew were tragically lost while displaying extraordinary courage and service to our nation and their local community,” said Scott Morrison.

“Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting Geoff and Andrew’s families — their wives, their parents and their young children. I personally expressed Jenny and my condolences. I also met their incredible local RFS family who are deeply mourning their loss. We honour their memory, we respect their heroic contribution and we are grateful for their service.”

His statement went on to discuss how disasters like this years bushfires, or the floods earlier this year bring out the “best” in Australians and “proves just how great a country we are”.

From here, the statement, which started off as an act of honouring those lost and acknowledging the pain and suffering of many families, turned into a political opportunity.

Bushfires and politics

“We live in such an amazing country. However, unlike in times past when Australians have united, on this occasion we have sadly witnessed greater division and conflict. Genuine concerns have led some to question the support being provided by state and federal governments for the ­firefighting response, as well as the ­contribution of climate policy to these fires,” said the Prime Minister.

“While there is always more that can be done, I can assure Australians that our governments, supported by the Commonwealth, including our defence forces, have ensured that our firefighting efforts have never been better resourced or their actions better co-ordinated. “This has been confirmed to me in the many visits made and briefings I have received from fire chiefs both before the fire season commenced and from September this year as the fires began.”

His statement went on to “assure Australians” that the governments resource investment in the bushfire management is sufficient.

“Visiting these locations I have seen first hand the co-ordination, the technology, the rapid response, the professionalism, the resources, the bravery and determination,” he wrote.

“Their work includes, for example, ensuring we have firefighting planes and helicopters in place, which the federal government has put $26 million into this year alone, including a recent boost of $11 million, ensuring there are supplies of fire retardant in the country or that our mapping systems and emergency frequencies are in place and in good order.”

Climate change

After lengthy commentary on how the governments hefty donations have helped during this bushfire disaster, Scott Morrison decided to address the elephant in the room: climate change.

“And yes, we must continue to take real action on climate change. There is no disagreement and there has not been any denial of this critical factor, either by the federal government or any state or territory government,” he wrote.

“But to suggest that increasing Australia’s climate targets would have prevented these fires or extreme weather events, in Australia or anywhere else, is simply false.”

“As part of a global effort, our government will ensure Australia keeps commitments made at the election. Australia’s carbon emissions are on average 50 million tonnes less per year than they were under the previous government. All achieved without a carbon tax.”

“As I made clear at the election we will exceed our Kyoto commitments, we will meet our Paris commitments and we will continue to welcome ­record investments in renewable technologies. At the same time we are getting electricity prices down, by $65 a year according to the latest figures, as a result of our policies.”

“We won’t embrace reckless targets and abandon our traditional industries that would risk Australian jobs while having no meaningful impact on the global climate. In short, we will continue to act responsibly on climate change, avoiding extreme responses and get the balance right.”

“That’s the promise we made to Australians and I intend to keep it.”

Greek food connects family across the world during Christmas

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek food connects family across the world during Christmas

After thousands of Greeks migrated from Greece to countries such as Australia, USA and Canada, they were forced to adapt to the cultures and traditions that were already present in a new, unfamiliar country.

However, Greeks across the world come together as one during the time of Christmas, as they use Greek food as a bridge to bring together their families and loved ones during this special time of year.

In a recent interview with the Insider, Anneta Konstantinides reveals how her family in California, who lived more than 6,000 miles away from their Greek relatives in Thessaloniki, found a way to each bring their family traditions to their dining table in the United States.

From Thesaloniki to California

You can view the full Insider story HERE

Konstantinides revealed that every year when she was little, her dad would make the baklava and kataifi that his own father — a professional filo maker — had taught him how to bake. Her father had spent his teen years helping in her grandfather’s shop in Thessaloniki during the busy Christmas and Easter seasons, learning how to stack the filo just right and make the ultimate “secret” syrup that goes on top of the baklava.

Anneta Konstantinides’ father’s baklava, which was passed down to him by his father – Insider

As Konstantinides transitioned into adulthood, graduating from college, she travelled across the world, moving to five places around the world — Washington, DC; London, England; Cardiff, Wales; New York City; and Sydney, Australia — over the course of six years.

But, without even realizing it, she found a connection to home through food.

While living in Sydney, she asked her mom for her spanikopita and tiropitakia recipes and did her best to recreate them as her friend made Yorkshire puddings beside her.

“I’ve continued to bring my family to the holidays, even when we’re apart. My mom’s Greek salad has become a favorite among my friends, so I’ve often made it for potlucks and barbecues. And I recreated my mom’s spinach pie yet again for my first Greek Easter party this year, although it may have taken a few (okay, four) panicked phone calls before I could get it right.”

Anneta Konstantinides, her mother, and sister during Christmas in the 1990s – Insider

Four ways to ‘Greek-ify’ your Christmas HERE

A Greek Christmas is the best Christmas

As Christmas is a great time for many, filled with love and happiness while surrounded by friends and family, it is important to keep in mind that some families are forced to spend their Christmas apart in other countries.

Despite possibly being physically separated, it is important that Greeks remember the traditions that bind families together during this special time of year.

Hatzidakis says Turkey’s objections will not block East Med

The Greek Herald
-
0
Hatzidakis says Turkey’s objections will not block East Med

The East Med pipeline will proceed regardless of Turkey’s objections, Greece’s Energy and Environment Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said Saturday in statements to SKAI TV.

“We are determined to proceed on the basis of international law,” he said.

At the same time, ministry sources have neither confirmed nor rejected reports that Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Italy will sign a deal early next year to promote the gas pipeline.

The sources did confirm that the aforementioned countries are committed to the implementation of the project and referred to Hatzidakis’ meeting with his Israeli counterpart Yuval Steinitz in Madrid, on the sidelines of UN meeting on the climate, during which both sides reiterated their support of East Med as well as for the electric interconnection from Crete to Israel via Cyprus.

At the same meeting, Hatzidakis had thanked Israel for its support over the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Turkey and the government of Tripoli.

Sourced by: Ekatherimi.com

Houses lost from Southern Highlands fire – “We tried so hard. But it wasn’t enough”

The Greek Herald
-
0
Houses lost from Southern Highlands fire – “We tried so hard. But it wasn’t enough”

The Green Wattle bushfire in the Southern Highlands is being described by full-time firefighters as one of the worst fires ever seen. Reddit user LadderOne was one of the many firefighters fighting at Green Wattle, near Balmoral.

“The conditions were atrocious. We had 2-storey walls of flame erupt and crash towards us where the fire was knee high a minute earlier… the pine trees around us all just seemed to explode. We had to pull out. We went back in as soon as it was safe and tried to extinguish what we can but we were out of water and some of our hoses got burnt and the houses were lost.”

The Reddit user, whose identity was confirmed by The Greek Herald, was present during the bushfires in 1994, 2001, in Black Saturday, and at the Blue Mountains in 2013. He described the events that unfolded today as one of the worst he’s seen, with the whole season being easily the worst for the country.

“The fire behaviour was unbelievable. We tried so hard. We did everything right, we worked and worked and nothing went our way. We lost 4 houses today. We saved 4 more.”

“I am pretty upset by that. I can’t imagine what the residents will feel when they go and find their homes destroyed. But we also protected some families in their homes and they’re ok.”

“My heart goes out to those people who don’t have a home now. We really tried.”

Information about fires near your location can be found HERE

As fires rage across NSW, Royal Fire Service members and volunteer firefighters fight to save people’s homes. Firefighters have successfully saved over 5,000 homes since the beginning of the bushfire season, additionally saving over 1000 lives.

According to an update by the RFS at 11am this morning, the Green Wattle fire is more than 192,000 hectares in size and remains out of control. The fires continue to rage through the area as they approach the Blue Mountains, which firefighters are currently working to protect.

At this stage, four fires are currently at watch and act, with over thirty fires being controlled across NSW.

More information about the Green Wattle Bushfire can be found HERE

READ Archbishop Makarios’ warm Christmas blessings

The Greek Herald
-
0
READ Archbishop Makarios’ warm Christmas blessings

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has shared a letter full of Christmas blessings for the Greek Orthodox Community. Through the letter he wishes to remind all Greek Orthodox Christians about the true meaning of Christmas:

“Venerable Brother fellow Bishops and my beloved children,

Today, we celebrate the birth in the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ. Before us is the mystery of the incarnation, according to which God becomes human so as to make the human person God. In this way, Christ offers Himself to all, giving us the possibility to be saved.

God remains faithful to His promises, even when people do not seek Him, even when people ignore Him, or worse still, when they deny Him. And certainly, in the world in which we live, that promises many material goods and comforts, glory and prosperity, it is humanly understandable for some to reject or ignore a God who can only offer us freedom from death.

However, my beloved friends, we realiseon a daily basis that wealth does not make a human person rich. Glory does not give joy to the soul. Comforts do not give meaning to our existence. People, today, rely on false supports: on their knowledge, their strengths, their power and on their wealth. Christ became a human person so that we can have the possibility to be supported in the truth and light. Because without Christ we are poor. Without Christ we are miserable. Without Christ, our soul will always thirst.

I ask you fervently to direct your love towards Christ. Place Christ and your neighbour as the fundamental priority in your life. Love souls. Not bodies. Not money. Not self-serving interests. Not strength. Not power. Love only Christ and the souls of people.

I wish you a blessed Christmas and many years to the entire flock of the Australian Continent, and to all our relatives and friends, who live far away.

Your Archbishop,

† Makarios of Australia“

Meet Cypriot Smurf: the story behind the fake moustaki

The Greek Herald
-
0
Meet Cypriot Smurf: the story behind the fake moustaki

Comedian Cypriot Smurf has come a long way from making videos on Snapchat in his garage.

The 32-year-old is now on his first Australian tour, performing live sold out shows to his devoted Australian fans in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

The London-born Cypriot, who has lived in Cyprus for 21 years, has accumulated over 11.1k Youtube subscribers and over 50,000 Facebook followers.

Peter Kypri, aka the Cypriot Smurf, spoke to The Greek Herald about his journey into online comedy and his experience in Australia.

How the ‘Cypriot Smurf’ was born

When Peter started becoming more active on social media app, Snapchat, he was noticing comedians in different countries doing sketches.

Over time, he accumulated lots of ideas in his head and decided to try his luck. In his garage one day he tested a new look, complete with a fake moustache, fake chest hair and an alter-ego by the name of ‘Souvlaki’.

By day, Peter is a web developer for his family business. He thanks his supportive family for their support as he chases his passions.

How to keep comedy relevant and relatable…

Peter finds there are universal jokes that are always relatable among Greeks and Cypriots.

“We’re always late. We’re all related to everyone. There’s so many of us. We love food,” he said.

The Cypriot Smurf is constantly sourcing new ideas from life events that he experiences or hears about, mostly from the village in Cyprus. He finds putting his character into every day situations the most effective way to produce new content.

“What would a Cypriot do in that situation? I’m trying to modernise it, like put in the stereotype but also switch it up a bit,” explains the Cypriot Smurf.

One thing that he has always been conscious of is ensuring all his jokes are carried out with respect, and his love for his country is translated through his work.

“At the beginning I got some [negative feedback] because not a lot of people knew who I was, and even though I’ve been in Cyprus for so long I don’t look Greek or Cypriot. There was like, ‘this English Cypriot is going around making fun of us’,” explains Peter.

“Then they realised who I am and how much love I have for the country…then they enjoy it…I never want to copy anyone. I want to be unique. If I ever have an idea, I always try and search if it’s been done before I do it.”

Advice for budding comedians

When the Cypriot Smurf was asked about his advice for aspiring comedians, he said:

“Do it because you love it. Do it because it’s your dream…your goal. There’s so much room for more and more comedians. More people in this world that can make people smile and laugh the better, especially with all the things that are going on in the world now.”

He also believes that chasing fame or money will not result in career success, particularly in the area of “going viral”.

“Do your best. Work hard. Consistency is key. Keep creating and don’t look at numbers or views. Just do it cause you love it.”

“With something like playing an instrument, or singing, or comedy, do it cause you love it. Don’t just look at the money. That’s what my family’s always taught me anyway…If you’re doing it for money, you may as well stop now. People are going to understand the love isn’t there as well.”

Visiting Australia

Peter has visited Adelaide and Melbourne, and is now in Australia to perform shows yesterday (Saturday 21st) and today (Sunday 22nd).

While his visit has been short, he has picked up on Australian culture very quickly.

“Adelaide’s more like home…more like Cyprus. Everything’s close, it’s really beautiful. I love it. Melbourne is really good because I’m with all my boys. They were the boys I made friends with,” he explains.

“Sydney…I’m in the city…if I was in a suburb I’d probably enjoy it more, but because I’m in the city and there’s so many people, I’m not really a city boy…but it is nice. It’s a shame about all the fires. Really upsetting.”

In regards to the reaction of his comedy in Australia, Cypriot Smurf tries to apply the same respect he has for Cyprus everywhere he goes.

“In Cyprus, it’s so small the only thing you really need is respect…Even though Australia is huge I try to do the same.”

Watch Cypriot Smurf’s special Australia edition video below:

Greece defeat Serbia to retain FINA Men’s World Junior Water Polo Championships title

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greece defeat Serbia to retain FINA Men’s World Junior Water Polo Championships title

Greece have retained their International Swimming Federation World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championship title in Kuwait City, as Serbia were disqualified from the competition.

Greece defeated Serbia 6-4 at the Al-Nasar Sport Club in Kuwait’s capital. 

They went 2-0 up in the first quarter and were winning 3-1 at halftime before a scoreless third quarter.

An action-packed final period saw Serbia bring the score to 5-4 before Konstantinos Kakaris secured the victory for Greece just two minutes from time. 

Goalkeeper Nikolaos Mitrakis was named the best in his position of the tournament, blocking countless Serbian attacks to help his team to gold. 

“It was indescribable going back to back,” said Greek captain Alexandros Papanastasiou.

“It was hard work, not luck. 

“The team proved that if it could do it once, it could do it again. I wish to thank my team, my coaches for making this possible.”

It was the third title for Greece, having won in the Turkish capital of Istanbul in 2001 and in the Serbian capital of Belgrade in 2017. 

Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos congratulated the team on their victory. “Your new, brilliant victory places you at the global top of water polo, opening a bright future ahead for you,” he said.

Greek community support Children’s Cancer Institute’s “Zero Program”

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek community support Children’s Cancer Institute’s “Zero Program”

The OEEGA committee visited the Lowy Cancer Research Centre in Sydney, on Thursday, to donate funds raised for the Children’s Cancer Institute.

The committee held a fundraising event on the 16th of November, 2019, in Brighton, which allowed the organisation to donate a cheque for $30,000.

The cheque was put toward the Children’s Cancer Institute’s “Zero Program” that studies individual cases in order to develop less invasive treatments for young children.

So far, 271 children with the most aggressive cancers have been enrolled on the program, with 74% of these receiving a personalised treatment recommendation in just nine weeks.

“For those children for whom we now have follow up data, 60% have had a complete or partial response or had their disease stabilised. This is remarkable when you consider these were children who had little or no treatment options,” explain co-chairs Anne and Mark Lazberger.

The Zero Program plans to collaborate with all 8 children’s hospitals around Australia, and work with 23 national and international research institutes.

The Zero Program has achieved great successes in 2019, including five clinical trials opening at Sydney Children’s Hospital, progress in solid tumour liquid biopsy and a collaboration with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre on childhood cancer immunotherapy. In addition, The Zero Program is working with Macquarie University to understand medical costs, while collaborating with leading institutes across the globe to gain access to over 10,000 children’s tumour genetic sequences.

Notably, The Zero Program was one of six worldwide programs to be included in a NATO-commissioned review of the top international paediatric precision medicine programs.

OOEGA Committee donating $30,000 cheque.

Professor Maria Kavallaris was scheduled to accept the cheque on behalf of the Institute. However, she was unable to attend as she sadly attended the funeral of a 4-year-old girl called Josephine Dunn, in Newcastle, who died of a brain tumour.  

Charles de Bock, team leader for Functional Genomics of Leukemia accepted the cheque in her place.

The Consul-General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras, was also there to mark the occasion.

The Consul-General and committee members were given a tour of the labs, while success stories of their research were shared. This showed the committee the importance of these funds and the impact they have on saving lives.

It was here where they learnt of stories like Jack’s.

When Jack turned nine, he was diagnosed with a large brain tumour that was seemingly treated with a successful operation and positive prognosis.

Just over a year later, Jack woke up with a terrible headache and started vomiting. The tumour was back.

The second time around, the tumour had a more devastating effect on his body. The tumour was aggressive, deemed inoperable and would not response to any treatment.

When Jack was enrolled in the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, the specific genetic make-up of his tumour was analysed and a specific genetic mutation was discovered that drove the cancer’s growth. Luckily, there was an identified drug that was able to target it.

Within a matter of days, Jack’s condition improved. Six weeks later, not only was he out of his wheelchair, but he was able to play tennis. Today, over a year later, Jack is still well, attending school and active as ever.

“We got to celebrate another precious birthday with our son,” says Viv, Jack’s mum. “And I hope that, because of Zero Childhood Cancer, there will be many more to follow.”

The OOEGA committee previously donated to the Children’s Cancer Institute in 2010.

OOEGA committee members are: Irene Anestis, Sylvia Tserdanis, Soula Gerasimou, Despina Parasidis Kekatos, Chrissy Petridis, Christina Calls, Evi Georgakakos, Lisa Paschal, Poppy Stavrianou, Vicky Mar and Dimitra Skalkos. 

1...1,4211,4221,423...1,450Page 1,422 of 1,450

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.