Cooking the Greek way means drinking while you cook, including your guests in the preparation, using sinful amounts of olive oil on everything, and dipping from the same bowl. Laugh if you must, but those are the facts as I see them.

Unlike Italian food where a lot of things are saturated in cheese, Greek food is saturated in olive oil. Actually, the Greeks have a saying that their food should be “swimming” in olive oil, and it does. Oftentimes when guests are watching the preparation of the food, they gasp at the amount of olive oil that is used.

Despite the large amount of olive oil that is used in preparation of Greek dishes, the Greek diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world today. The Greek diet consists of cheese (goat cheese), spices like oregano, basil and garlic, pork, fish, lots of fruits and vegetables, and a healthy dose of alcohol (for drinking). Yes the Greeks love to eat large meals with friends, family and any who want to join them. Afterward there is dancing and laughter. Maybe the laughter and dancing contribute more to the health of the culture than does the content of the food. Either way, the food is excellent and the culture is friendly and warm.
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