The suicide bombing attack against a Sufi shrine in the province of Sind, in Pakistan, unfortunately killed 88 and injured 250 innocent people. ISIS claimed responsibility for this heinous terrorist attack, and the Pakistani government proclaimed a three day mourning period.
A blast in Turkey killed a toddler and injured 15 other people.
Also, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that a jihadist group had captured and executed 41 fighters in cold blood. Terrible, horrific news...
During the Munich Security Conference, that started yesterday, the new American team were given a "frosty reception" by their European counterparts. Both the European Union and the United States confirmed their full support to NATO. However, the German Defense Minister, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that: "There could be no policies equidistant between our real allies and those who doubt our borders, our values and the principles of international law". These remarks drew enthusiastic and prolonged rounds of applause from the Europeans!
Also, the E.U. decided that "the fight against terror should not become a fight against Islam".
The Europeans, also warned D.Trump against threatening the E.U. cohesion.
The British ex-Prime Minister, Tony Blair, implores his compatriots to block BREXIT. He is extremely anxious about the future of Britain from a beneficial, social and diplomatic point of view. He also points out that there is a possibility of a painful partition, that almost occurred in 2014, according to the results of the Scottish Referendum.
Hundreds of Mexicans formed a human wall on the border with the U.S.A. protesting against D. Trump's wild plans of building a wall separating the two countries.
Venezuela's Supreme Court has confirmed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez's 14-year prison sentence a day after Donald Trump called for his release. In 2015, when Lopez was imprisoned, both the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the U.S.A asked for his discharge from prison, which was rejected by the Modura dictatorship.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam, estranged half-brother of North Korea's dictator, Kim Jong Un.
After 20 years of intense research, scientist are now certain of the discovery of a sunken continent called Zealandia, in the south Pacific Ocean. The two Islands of New Zealand to the South, and New Caledonia to the North are part of this large, submerged continent.
During the years of his electoral campaign, Donald Trump gave false promises and breached political rules and ethics on his way towards the Presidency of the United States. A controversial personality, who was, paradoxically, elected to fill one of the most important offices in the world. His voters were mostly people who had lost their jobs, citizens with stagnant incomes, others who were anxious or angry about migrants entering the country; all grossly misinformed by propaganda.
As a president, Mr. Trump is as flamboyant as ever. He accuses the press for fake news. He threatens to fulfill all his pro-election promises, i.e. to abandon the multi-national trade deal with Pacific countries, to abolish Obamacare, to build a wall across the Mexican/American border, and to create a harsh pogrom against immigrants. There have, also, been various leaks concerning some of the President's most trusted aids who were later fired. So, a deep fear prevails in the White House and among high officials, in Washington.
Also, there have been many anti-government protests across the country, forbidding the entry to air-ports and stopping various events organised by the administration, showing their disapproval of the President. Of course he still has his faithful followers.
Apparently, disapprobation of Mr. Trump's first month in office has risen to 56% from 45% but he considers the numbers fake. Some of the most important personalities in the U.S, are extremely alarmed concerning the future of the country, under the present Government, which according to Army General Tony Thomas "continues to be in unbelievable turmoil ...." and he hopes that all will sorted out soon "because we are a a nation at war."
As this is the last month of a freezing and very difficult winter, here are a few recipes for soups and dishes which could satisfy our taste buds and console our souls.
This is version of a lovely, comforting soup that my dear friend Mary Xenakis used to prepare when she returned to Greece from Alexandria, Egypt. The principle ingredient for this recipe is “molokhiya”, a Middle Eastern vegetable, which is not very easy to find in Greece, so l alternately use spinach.
I usually boil the chicken, in a pressure cooker, one day before serving the soup.
 |
| Pakistan's Lal Shahbaz Qalander (Shrine) |
A blast in Turkey killed a toddler and injured 15 other people.
Also, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that a jihadist group had captured and executed 41 fighters in cold blood. Terrible, horrific news...
During the Munich Security Conference, that started yesterday, the new American team were given a "frosty reception" by their European counterparts. Both the European Union and the United States confirmed their full support to NATO. However, the German Defense Minister, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that: "There could be no policies equidistant between our real allies and those who doubt our borders, our values and the principles of international law". These remarks drew enthusiastic and prolonged rounds of applause from the Europeans!
Also, the E.U. decided that "the fight against terror should not become a fight against Islam".
The Europeans, also warned D.Trump against threatening the E.U. cohesion.
 |
| The German Defense Minister Criticizing Mr. Trump's Allegations |
The British ex-Prime Minister, Tony Blair, implores his compatriots to block BREXIT. He is extremely anxious about the future of Britain from a beneficial, social and diplomatic point of view. He also points out that there is a possibility of a painful partition, that almost occurred in 2014, according to the results of the Scottish Referendum.
 |
| Tony Blair's OPEN BRITAIN and BREMAIN |
Hundreds of Mexicans formed a human wall on the border with the U.S.A. protesting against D. Trump's wild plans of building a wall separating the two countries.
 |
| The Colourful Human Wall of Protesting Mexicans |
Venezuela's Supreme Court has confirmed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez's 14-year prison sentence a day after Donald Trump called for his release. In 2015, when Lopez was imprisoned, both the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the U.S.A asked for his discharge from prison, which was rejected by the Modura dictatorship.
 |
| Leopoldo Lopez While Being Arrested |
Four people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam, estranged half-brother of North Korea's dictator, Kim Jong Un.
 |
| Kim Jong Nam in Good Health |
After 20 years of intense research, scientist are now certain of the discovery of a sunken continent called Zealandia, in the south Pacific Ocean. The two Islands of New Zealand to the South, and New Caledonia to the North are part of this large, submerged continent.
 |
| Zealandia the New Continent |
As a president, Mr. Trump is as flamboyant as ever. He accuses the press for fake news. He threatens to fulfill all his pro-election promises, i.e. to abandon the multi-national trade deal with Pacific countries, to abolish Obamacare, to build a wall across the Mexican/American border, and to create a harsh pogrom against immigrants. There have, also, been various leaks concerning some of the President's most trusted aids who were later fired. So, a deep fear prevails in the White House and among high officials, in Washington.
Also, there have been many anti-government protests across the country, forbidding the entry to air-ports and stopping various events organised by the administration, showing their disapproval of the President. Of course he still has his faithful followers.
Apparently, disapprobation of Mr. Trump's first month in office has risen to 56% from 45% but he considers the numbers fake. Some of the most important personalities in the U.S, are extremely alarmed concerning the future of the country, under the present Government, which according to Army General Tony Thomas "continues to be in unbelievable turmoil ...." and he hopes that all will sorted out soon "because we are a a nation at war."
 |
| Will Donald Trump be Impeached? |
As this is the last month of a freezing and very difficult winter, here are a few recipes for soups and dishes which could satisfy our taste buds and console our souls.
CHICKEN AND SPINACH SOUP
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| Chicken and Rice Drenched with Molokhiya |
This is version of a lovely, comforting soup that my dear friend Mary Xenakis used to prepare when she returned to Greece from Alexandria, Egypt. The principle ingredient for this recipe is “molokhiya”, a Middle Eastern vegetable, which is not very easy to find in Greece, so l alternately use spinach.
500 g (1 lb) or more frozen spinach, defrosted and finely chopped
One 1½ kg (3 lb) chicken, skin and visible fat removed
3 onions, peeled and sliced
2 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
2 stalks celery
1 slice fresh, peeled ginger root
1 thin slice unpeeled lemon
2 tsp ground coriander, halved
A good pinch of ground cumin
Salt to taste
1 tsp whole pepper corns
1 slice tomato, peeled, seeded and diced
1 slice onion, diced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp mild olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
¼ tsp whole coriander seeds, smashed slightly with a pestle and mortar
1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper, optional
1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper, optional
I usually boil the chicken, in a pressure cooker, one day before serving the soup.
Cover the chicken with water and bring it to the boil with a little salt, and skim thoroughly. Then add the onions, carrots, celery, ginger, the lemon slice and sprinkle with 1 tsp ground coriander, the ground cumin, salt and the pepper corns, lock the pressure cooker and simmer for 17 minutes or until the chicken is cooked but not falling apart.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the broth, discarding the vegetables. Also, remove the bones, tendons and cartilage from the chicken, cut it into bite-size pieces, and slightly saute in butter, on both sides. Cover both the sauteed chicken and the broth with cling film and refrigerate.
The next day, bring the chicken to room temperature and discard the solidified fat from the surface of the broth, place it in a large saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the spinach, half the ground coriander and a good pinch of cumin and simmer gently for 2 minute, uncovered. Add the diced tomato and onion and cook for 5 minutes more.
Meanwhile, brown the crushed garlic in olive oil and a little butter until soft, then add the remaining ground coriander and the crushed coriander seeds and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles a thick paste. Add it, quickly, to the simmering soup (you should hear a sizzling sound!), stir and continue cooking for 10 minutes more or until the spinach is cooked. Taste for seasoning, and add more salt, if necessary. Add a little Cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier soup.
Serve the soup in deep soup bowls, over steamed rice and the hot chicken pieces.
MUSHROOM SOUP
This is a delicious soup of Classical French Cooking.
1 kg (2 lb) mushrooms, 4 sliced, sauteed in butter and reserved for garnish, the rest trimmed and halved
90 g (3 oz) butter separated
1 large onion, grated
1 garlic, smashed
3 tbsp plain flour
1 liqueur glass cognac (I use Metaxa brandy)
2 litres (8 cups) hot, tasty chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
375 ml (1 1/2 cup) thick cream
Small sprigs of parsley for garnish
In a very hot frying pan, saute the halved mushrooms in 45 g (1 1/2 oz) of butter and transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate.
Lower the heat, stir in the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Sift the flour over the onion stirring for 5 minutes until the roux is cooked but not brown. Add the halved mushrooms and drizzle the brandy evenly over and wait for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then, pour half of the hot stock over and simmer and stir the soup, until it thickens and bubbles.
Continue simmering for 3-4 minutes more, and transfer the soup to a saucepan and puree it with a rod blender. Then sieve the soup, add the remaining stock and bring to a boil. Stir in the cream, taste and adjust the seasoning and cook very, very gently for 2 minutes more. Serve the soup piping hot, garnished with the reserved sliced mushroom and sprigs of parsley.
Stifatho is a popular Greek stew. An easy way to peel the onions, without tears, is to blanch them in their skins, drain and then proceed.
2 bay leaves
1 small cinnamon stick
1/8 tsp of grated nutmeg
Brown the meat in butter and olive oil and transfer it with a slotted spoon to a dish.
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| One of My Favourite Soups |
This is a delicious soup of Classical French Cooking.
1 kg (2 lb) mushrooms, 4 sliced, sauteed in butter and reserved for garnish, the rest trimmed and halved
90 g (3 oz) butter separated
1 large onion, grated
1 garlic, smashed
3 tbsp plain flour
1 liqueur glass cognac (I use Metaxa brandy)
2 litres (8 cups) hot, tasty chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
375 ml (1 1/2 cup) thick cream
Small sprigs of parsley for garnish
In a very hot frying pan, saute the halved mushrooms in 45 g (1 1/2 oz) of butter and transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate.
Lower the heat, stir in the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Sift the flour over the onion stirring for 5 minutes until the roux is cooked but not brown. Add the halved mushrooms and drizzle the brandy evenly over and wait for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then, pour half of the hot stock over and simmer and stir the soup, until it thickens and bubbles.
Continue simmering for 3-4 minutes more, and transfer the soup to a saucepan and puree it with a rod blender. Then sieve the soup, add the remaining stock and bring to a boil. Stir in the cream, taste and adjust the seasoning and cook very, very gently for 2 minutes more. Serve the soup piping hot, garnished with the reserved sliced mushroom and sprigs of parsley.
BEEF STIFATHO
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| Kali Orexi! |
Stifatho is a popular Greek stew. An easy way to peel the onions, without tears, is to blanch them in their skins, drain and then proceed.
1 1/2 kg (3 lb) stewing beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 kg (4 lb) baby shallot-onions, peeled (please see introduction)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 liqueur glass Metaxa brandy
1 liqueur glass Metaxa brandy
250 ml (1 cup) red wine
3 ripe tomatoes, halved, de-seeded, grated, skins discarded
1 heaped tbsp tomato paste
or
500 ml (2 cups) tomato juice
1 tsp sugar or more according to the acidity of the tomatoes
or
500 ml (2 cups) tomato juice
1 tsp sugar or more according to the acidity of the tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 small cinnamon stick
1/8 tsp of grated nutmeg
2 tbsp wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the meat in butter and olive oil and transfer it with a slotted spoon to a dish.
Add the onions and sauté all over for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Return the meat to the saucepan and pour first the brandy and then the wine evenly over and simmer for 3-4 minutes more, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
Add all the other ingredients and enough hot water to cover, and simmer very gently for an hour or until the meat and onions are tender. If the onions are ready before the meat, remove them with a slotted spoon and keep them hot.
Reduce the sauce, if necessary. Then taste it and season accordingly adding salt, pepper and vinegar.
Serve the stifatho with fried potatoes or creamed mashed potatoes or any pasta of your choice.
CHICKEN CURRY
We love curries in our family, so we have many interesting recipes of this lovely Asian dish.
4 chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut into bite-size pieces
Salt and freshly ground pepper mixed with
1 salt spoon ginger powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp clarified butter
Sauce:
Spice mix:
3 heaped tsp hot curry powder mixed with:
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp paprika
1 heaped tbsp tomato paste
3 medium-size onions, peeled and blended
3 apples, peeled, cored, quartered and blended
Extra oli oil if necessary
750-1000 ml (3-4 cups) or hot tasty chicken stock, separated
1 bay leaf
1/4 chili pepper, seeds removed
1 slice of fresh ginger, peeled
180.25 ml (2/3 cup} coconut milk
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper, optional
Sprinkle the washed and dried chicken pieces with the salt/pepper/ginger powder mixture and saute them, in batches, in olive oil and clarified butter. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Remove all but 1 tbsp fat from the frying pan.
Over low heat, saute the spice mix in the same frying pan that you used for the chicken, stirring until the whole kitchen fills with their aroma. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring for 2 minutes, adding more olive oil, if necessary, Then add the blended onion and cook until golden in colour. Add the blended apples and half of hot chicken stock, and simmer very gently, stirring occasionally,
Meanwhile, place the chicken pieces in a large, flat saucepan, cover with the remaining hot chicken stock and add the bay leaf, chili and ginger. Cook, over low heat until the chicken is cooked. Discard the bay leaf, ginger and chili and remove the saucepan from the stove. Pour off the stock and reserve.
Check the sauce and if the onions and apples are cooked, puree them with a rod blender until smooth and thick. Pour 3 ladlefuls of the reserved stock over the spicy sauce, stir vigorously and pour it over the chicken. Simmer for two minutes more. Add more stock if necessary.
Just before serving, bring the chicken curry to a simmer and stir in the coconut milk. Taste the sauce for seasoning and adjust accordingly, adding salt and a little Cayenne pepper to make it spicier if you wish. Accompany the curry with rice, yogurt, chapattis, poppadoms and a sweet chutney.
MARY'S FRESH APPLE CAKE
This is a recipe for a delicious, juicy cake. You could use almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts and a few cranberries for colour.
112.5 g (1/2 cup) butter or margerine, at room temperature
400 g (2 cups) or less sugat
2 eggs
260 g (2 cups) plain flour, reserve 1 tbs for dusting the walnuts
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger powder
4 small apples, finely diced
75 g (1/2 cup) coarsely chopped walnuts, dusted with the reserved flour
Sift flour with salt, baking powder and spices.
In a large bowl mix butter, sugar and eggs. Then add the flour mixture and finally the apples and walnuts and stir until just combined.
Place in a large, buttered dish, level the surface and bake in a moderate oven preheated to 180 C (350 F) for about an hour.
 |
| A Wonderful Sunday Dish |
We love curries in our family, so we have many interesting recipes of this lovely Asian dish.
4 chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut into bite-size pieces
Salt and freshly ground pepper mixed with
1 salt spoon ginger powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp clarified butter
Sauce:
Spice mix:
3 heaped tsp hot curry powder mixed with:
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp paprika
1 heaped tbsp tomato paste
3 medium-size onions, peeled and blended
3 apples, peeled, cored, quartered and blended
Extra oli oil if necessary
750-1000 ml (3-4 cups) or hot tasty chicken stock, separated
1 bay leaf
1/4 chili pepper, seeds removed
1 slice of fresh ginger, peeled
180.25 ml (2/3 cup} coconut milk
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper, optional
Sprinkle the washed and dried chicken pieces with the salt/pepper/ginger powder mixture and saute them, in batches, in olive oil and clarified butter. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Remove all but 1 tbsp fat from the frying pan.
Over low heat, saute the spice mix in the same frying pan that you used for the chicken, stirring until the whole kitchen fills with their aroma. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring for 2 minutes, adding more olive oil, if necessary, Then add the blended onion and cook until golden in colour. Add the blended apples and half of hot chicken stock, and simmer very gently, stirring occasionally,
Meanwhile, place the chicken pieces in a large, flat saucepan, cover with the remaining hot chicken stock and add the bay leaf, chili and ginger. Cook, over low heat until the chicken is cooked. Discard the bay leaf, ginger and chili and remove the saucepan from the stove. Pour off the stock and reserve.
Check the sauce and if the onions and apples are cooked, puree them with a rod blender until smooth and thick. Pour 3 ladlefuls of the reserved stock over the spicy sauce, stir vigorously and pour it over the chicken. Simmer for two minutes more. Add more stock if necessary.
Just before serving, bring the chicken curry to a simmer and stir in the coconut milk. Taste the sauce for seasoning and adjust accordingly, adding salt and a little Cayenne pepper to make it spicier if you wish. Accompany the curry with rice, yogurt, chapattis, poppadoms and a sweet chutney.
MARY'S FRESH APPLE CAKE
 |
| A Lovely Apple Cake |
This is a recipe for a delicious, juicy cake. You could use almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts and a few cranberries for colour.
112.5 g (1/2 cup) butter or margerine, at room temperature
400 g (2 cups) or less sugat
2 eggs
260 g (2 cups) plain flour, reserve 1 tbs for dusting the walnuts
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger powder
4 small apples, finely diced
75 g (1/2 cup) coarsely chopped walnuts, dusted with the reserved flour
Sift flour with salt, baking powder and spices.
In a large bowl mix butter, sugar and eggs. Then add the flour mixture and finally the apples and walnuts and stir until just combined.
Place in a large, buttered dish, level the surface and bake in a moderate oven preheated to 180 C (350 F) for about an hour.
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