Recipes

Easy Spanakopita: A Perfect Brunch Dish

Hello Bogging Friends & Family!

Welcome to the relaunch of Ellie Bleu.

If you’re new to the website, feel welcome to learn more About Me. I hope you enjoy this savory recipe.

Spanakopita is a popular Greek spinach filo pie that can be used as a substitute for quiche. It’s perfect for your brunches and celebrations. Imagine layers of golden, crisp filo pastry that shatter under your fork, giving way to a warm, savory filling of spinach, fresh herbs, and creamy feta. Each bite is a balance of flaky crunch and the smooth, slightly tangy richness of cheese and greens. In fact, it’s the first dish that came to mind when I was relaunching Ellie Bleu.

The pie can be served as an appetizer (meze) or the main course. Usually, I serve the pie with a Greek Potato Salad. I ate it nearly every day as a young student living in Athens. It was a way for me to stop by the local bakery before class and listen to the latest gossip in my charming neighborhood of Mets.

Here’s a glance at my recipe journal from Greece. The photo captures me perfectly, realizing that I’d rather be reading a book at the beach than at our classes’ archaeological dig site. I wish I could tell my younger self, “Pay attention!” Who knew twenty years later I’d be writing a manuscript about what I had discovered.

Read more for the complete ingredient list, tips and directions.

Continue reading “Easy Spanakopita: A Perfect Brunch Dish”
Recipes

Comforting Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

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For nights in when you need comfort food

Hi blogging family,

I think the world could use a little soul food right now. I know I do. The first thing that came to mind for tonight’s dinner was my Mac N’ “Cheese” recipe.

When it comes to mac n’ cheese, I have a feeling it’s on everyone’s go-to list for childhood favorite. I added a little “bacon” – gasp. I never thought I’d say that. Recently, I discovered that the same bacon pieces that my paternal grandma used on our salads were actually little soy bits. Way to go grandma! So I had to add it to mac n’ “cheese.” Continue reading “Comforting Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe”

Recipes

Easy One-Pot Garden Pasta Recipe

One bowl pasta

A one-pot-wonder that comes straight from the garden

Hi blogging family,

One pot pasta recipes seems to be the trend. I thought it was a perfect time to try it for the blog. I’m not going to say this is my favorite pasta dish, but it was certainly affordable and easy to make. It’s also fun to get your favorite little ones involved in.

You can use up some of your produce and a lot of the ingredients you can find in your pantry. It also makes for a perfect date night in. And did I mention only one dish to clean?Let’s get started! Continue reading “Easy One-Pot Garden Pasta Recipe”

Recipes

Southern Comfort: A Cassoulet Recipe to Savor

Southern Cassoulet

Last week, I read a touching tribute to one amazing grandfather on Seek the Best Blog. When I mentioned my grandfather was also from the South, Lady G suggested that I share my family’s favorite meal and a little background behind it.

At the age of six or seven, I traveled with my relatives back to the South. It was a magical time on the family farm where my cousins and I chased fireflies, drank sweet tea on the porch, and ate to our heart’s content. Although I miss those childhood moments dearly, it’s taught me that from a humble upbringing comes magical adventures. Perhaps that’s why I loved reading and writing from such a young age.

Today, I have a special love for Creole Cuisine. Southern Cassoulet combines southern comfort food with traditional French methods of slow-cooking beans. Serve with a tangy mustard, and you have food for the soul. Continue reading “Southern Comfort: A Cassoulet Recipe to Savor”

Recipes

Delicious Lumaconi with Almond Ricotta Recipe

Lumaconi with Almond Ricotta and Spinach

Lumaconi pasta comes from a beautiful town overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Legend has it that a young pasta maker fell in love with a fisherman’s daughter. To impress her family, and win her hand in marriage, he invented a new pasta inspired by seashells called “Lumaca di mere.” Traditionally, the pasta is stuffed with ricotta and baked like lasagna. It’s one of my favorite recipes, and I hope it becomes yours too. Continue reading “Delicious Lumaconi with Almond Ricotta Recipe”

Recipes

How to Make Authentic Spetsofai: A Spicy Greek Stew

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If you like spicy food, spetsofai (σπετζοφάϊ) is for you. The stew is a traditional dish from the eastern coast of Greece.

It is one of the simplest meals to put together. I made the stew with grain sausages infused with roasted peppers, garlic, sweet onions, and oregano. Be sure to serve spetsofai with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The stew is also wonderful over couscous or rice. Continue reading “How to Make Authentic Spetsofai: A Spicy Greek Stew”

Recipes

Easy Greek Spanakorizo Casserole

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Spanakorizo (σπανακόριζο) is a Greek side dish consisting of rice, spinach, and tomato. Though the rice is not stirred while it cooks, it has the same creamy consistency of risotto. I added cannellini beans, Kalamata olives, and a nut-based cheese to make it a meal. Bake the casserole until it’s bubbling hot, and you’re ready to go! Continue reading “Easy Greek Spanakorizo Casserole”

Recipes

Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Avocado Sauce

squash-2

Can you believe December is right around the corner? I have a lot of catching up to do with all of your wonderful blogs. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a special recipe.

Spaghetti Squash is one of my favorite things to cook with during the fall. Usually, I’d serve the “squash noodles” with marinara and homemade dairy free parmesan cheese. But I had an avocado on hand and decided to try out a new sauce. The result was fantastic and would pair great with fresh pasta too. Continue reading “Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Avocado Sauce”