Breakfast of champions

As a dietitian, I truly believe in the benefits of breakfast. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast have better appetite control, take in fewer calories and make better snack and meal choices throughout the day.

I do not think this is what they had in mind:

barley cakes with wine anyone?

Barley cakes are a traditional ancient Greek breakfast, usually dipped in a sweet red wine, or even a yogurt sauce. So I ask, why would you dip this in yogurt sauce? Right?

I think these are also wonderful with a little roasted garlic on top. The sweetness of the barley cake with the earthy taste of the garlic and a little tartness from the wine was outstanding.

*Added breakfast bonus for the husband-to-be on the way to work: the smell of the garlic makes nobody want to come in your office and ask you to do anything and the wine makes the morning just that much more fun.

Barley Cakes:

*1 cup barley flour

*3 Tbsp honey

*1 tsp marjorum or thyme

*3 Tbsp olive oil

*1/8 cup water

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Roll out on floured surface. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.

{recipe adapted from Food and Cooking in Ancient Greece}

Library love: Greece

I learned a few things in graduate school. Well, let's hope more than a few things. Most of them had to do with macro- and micronutrients, nutrition policy, and assessment in the critically ill patient. But I did learn some other things as well:

1. Choose roommates wisely (which I did)

2. Family dinner nights will keep you emotionally stable (also read: make friends with your fellow graduate students)

3. Figure out how to get ANYTHING for free

The first two were somewhat simple. I had amazing roommates and phenomenal fellow students who cooked with me and kept me sane each week. The final lesson was a bit more of a learn-as-you-go. One of my great grad school finds is something I rediscovered instead of discovering. It is a little thing I like to call my library card. So, last week I went to the public library and checked out every book on Greek food I could find.

a few of my favorites on my new desk

These couple of books have been more than helpful for me in my short quest to learn a little more about Greece (or at least Greek food for new). I am still in the market for suggestions on movies, music, etc. so help me out!

{short list of decent Greek food informational books}

-The Essential Mediterranean; Nancy Jenkins (great chapter introductions before recipes)

-Recipes from a Greek Island; Susie Jacobs (interesting regional recipes)

-Modern Greek; Andy Harris (just mmmmmmm)

-Cooking in World Cultures Food and Cooking in Ancient Greece; Cliff Gifford (children's section, don't judge)

-Olives, Anchovies, and Capers; Georgeanne Brennan (what three ingredients do you think are in every recipe?)

And so it begins (prematurely)...

Wedding countdown: 29 days.

How do I know this?: Because Bed Bath and Beyond told me so.

What does this mean?: I am wholly unprepared for the wedding, but oh so prepared for the reception.

AND: oh so prepared for the first week of our "sweetashoneymoon" that will begin (ahem) before the wedding.

For our first trip, we have decided (thanks to the facebook poll) to head to Greece.

we may not be going here yet, but someday... I hope...

I have been doing a little cultural investigation, but am always looking for more: books, movies, *recipes, etc always welcome! Get ready for a week of imaginary travels beginning Monday!