Archive for 2023
We sadly announce that UK Cypriot Kyriacos Alexandrou has passed away
† DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT – FUNERAL
Kyriacos Alexandrou
(from Ayios Andronicos Karpasia, Cyprus)
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother Kyriacos Alexandrou who died on the 15 December 2023, at …
Christmas traditions in Cyprus and Greece
To the members of the Greek Orthodox Church, Christmas comes in second after Easter. However, this is not to say that Christmas isn’t widely celebrated with unique traditions. It’s difficult to differentiate the traditions between Greece and Cyprus because they …
A Sprinkle of Christmas history
Every year on December 25th we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We call this time of year Christmas as we celebrate the Mass for Christ.
Christmas is a truly magical season celebrated by people around …
Christmas Traditions in the UK
This is the season for mince pies and bright lights, where the mistletoe can be found hanging by the winter snow and the lyrical sounds of carols can be heard. But where did Christmas markets first begin, and why do …
Cooking Sprouts and Roast Potatoes
Sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts
Ingredients (serves 8):
500g sprouts, whole or sliced in the middle
1/2 cup water
25g butter + extra
6 slices pancetta, cut into thin strips
100g chestnuts sliced or crumbled
Freshly ground black pepper
Method:…
Making Melomakarona (Honey Cookies)
Melomakarona
(Honey Cookies)
Ingredients (makes 25-30):
For the syrup:
500g (1lb) sugar
570ml (1 pint) water
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
½ cup honey
A few drops of lemon juice
For the biscuit:
150ml (1/4pint) olive oil
150ml (1/4pint) …
Cooking Turkey Cypriot Stuffing
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
25g butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 celery sticks including the leaves, finely chopped
Giblets of the bird, finely chopped
450g minced pork or lamb
225g long grain rice, washed …
Kourabiedes (Almond Shortbread Cookies)
Ingredients (makes 18-20): 1 x 250g (9oz) unsalted butter, room temperature 100-150g icing or caster sugar 1 egg yolk (optional) 4 tablespoons brandy or ouzo A few drops of vanilla extract or 2 tablespoons rosewater 50-70g toasted almonds with skin …
Making Vasilopita (New Year’s cake)
Ingredients (serves 8-10):
250g soft butter
250g caster sugar
4 large organic eggs (room temperature), separated
Grated zest and juice of 1 large orange
100ml yoghurt or milk
4 tbsp brandy
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground mastic gum …
China’s Belt and Road Initiative
As recently as 2005, the British economy was larger than the Chinese economy. Now China’s economy is seven times larger. In 2006 it overtook Germany. In 2007 it overtook Japan.
Modern History
Since 2013, China has been responsible for 40% …
