Sophie Goes Greek

I flew back from Greece last week and have been missing the bright sunshine and sharp colours that make up the scenery and coastline of Crete ever since.

My parents have lived in Greece for two years in an old village house. In fact it used to be the Kafenion of the village and still had the grape press, communal bread oven and 300 year old grape vine hanging over the courtyard when we moved in. The bread oven still works and when we have guests there is nothing better for cooking lemon and garlic scented roast lamb in.

Anyway I’m back in the temperamental British climate now and pining after the healthy food I live on in Greece. So I’m having some girlfriends over for supper this week for some Greek inspired food.

I adore having friends over and I try to make my flat as pretty as possible. My flat is all white painted French furniture, Art Deco glass lights, and I have a big deep turquoise velvet sofa taking pride of place in the centre. When dressing the table I try and keep with the shabby chic vibe by using pastel coloured wine glasses, pretty tea lights and then I use shells from all my travels as salt and pepper holders. Instead of buying lots of different flowers I buy a large bunch of white lilies a few days before the dinner so they really open up in time. I always buy them from a supermarket as they are cheap and often have a seven day guarantee.

This week I’m making a Greek inspired meal with Greek Yoghurt Pannacottas with rhubarb and pistachios for dessert. This is such a pretty and delicate dish. Using Greek yoghurt as the base instead of cream makes it a much healthier affair and I can make the pannacottas and rhubarb compote the day before, leaving me time to get ready on the night. It’s the perfect light finish to a meal and will leave us looking and feeling great and ready to party in our multicoloured dresses and the all-important high heels!

I always eat when I drink; there are no drunkorexics in my group of friends! It is important to line your stomach. Being too drunk is never a good look so I’m going to serve lemon and elderflower Collins (a long drink and not too strong) and Rose martinis for more of a kick.

Anyway, got to go, I have an all day photo shoot with Grazia today so will spend the day cooking and making my recipes look good for my column!

See Sophie's recipe for Greek Yoghurt Pannacottas

Posted 12/08/2008 11:08:51 by Sophie Michell with 0 comments.