Along with the cookies, and baklava, my brother did the honors of cooking a leg of lamb and beef tenderloin on the grill. Many years, we have made whole lambs on the spit, but since this was a small family gathering, we opted for a leg of lamb.
Greek salad is also a "must" at any Greek gathering. We could be having hot dogs, but by gosh there will be a Greek salad served as a side. We had salad every night when I grew up, and I eat salad every day for lunch as well as have one most nights with my dinner. If you are one to measure all ingredients, it is really difficult to tell how to make the salad. This year, the honors went to my niece Lea. Oil, lemon, wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. A taste here, a dash more of something, another taste, until it's just right.
Of course, no Greek meal would be complete without the Greek potatoes, and an appetizer of Kalamata olives, feta cheese, Greek marinated vegetables (my new find...not the Italian ones. Entirely different taste) and my favorite stuffed grape leaves. We also had grilled Haloumi cheese in honor of my grandfather who is from Cyprus. The cheese can be purchased at most "world" markets. Grill over coals until it is golden brown on both sides (about 10 minutes), sprinkle with lemon juice (or basting butter, lemon, oregano, for lamb) before serving. It's a treat and something different to eat for an appetizer.
It doesn't have to be Easter for me to enjoy all of these foods of my childhood. As a matter of fact, I just discovered that there is a Greek restaurant/market about 10 minutes from my home. I think I'm a decent cook, but a Gyro is something that I can get at the restaurant when I have a craving for lamb, yet don't want to cook an entire leg. I may try it this week.
