Cuisine That Holds a Special Place in Your Heart

If you know me, you’ll know that food holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of my greatest passions! From discovering new cuisines to exploring local restaurants, food is central to my adventures. Eating out in the U.S. can be challenging for me due to my Crohn’s disease and dietary restrictions, as many options contain dairy and ingredients that are difficult for me to digest. Reflecting on my travels, I’m especially excited to share some highlights from our unforgettable trip to Greece in the coming weeks, where the food options were among some of my favorite experiences.

Traveling also brings back cherished memories, like a time with my sister during our trip to China in 2014. While many on our trip were opting for familiar fast-food spots, we stumbled on a street vendor serving a delicious, spicy stir-fry. Not only was it one of the best meals we had, but it also became a meaningful bonding experience for the two of us.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in our daily lives. In recent years, I've struggled with attending parties where I couldn’t eat what was offered. I must be cautious about my food choices and mindful of what I consume, as this awareness has been essential for maintaining my health despite having a chronic illness. My retreat to Greece with Eyia Retreats (and if you’re considering one of their fantastic retreats, be sure to mention that Becca Stackhouse-Morson sent you!) helped me reconnect with my love for discovering new flavors, and the freedom of enjoying meals each day was truly delightful.

During the retreat, I had the chance to explore a variety of incredible new foods, and none of it made me sick! I discovered sheep yogurt, which quickly became my go-to breakfast choice. We ate delicious chicken patties, amazing pizza, flavorful olive oils, fresh salads, Greek salads, sheep and goat cheeses, breads, and so much more. Each meal was a joyful reminder of my deep love for food and the simple pleasures it brings.

This experience ties back to our blog on self-reflection, as my relationship with food is a place I genuinely cherish. For the first time in a while, I’ve been inspired to rekindle my creativity in the kitchen. While   don’t know what your relationship with food is like, it's essential to approach it mindfully, as it significantly impacts our well-being.

Food is closely linked to our health and mental function; studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest options available. An article from Harvard points out that those who follow a typical Western diet tend to experience higher levels of depression compared to those who consume a traditional diet rich in vegetables, fruits, unprocessed grains, seafood, and lean dairy and meat. This concept falls under nutritional psychiatry, emphasizing the importance of being aware of how different foods affect your feelings both immediately and the day after. 

Consider trying a clean eating plan for two to three weeks by eliminating processed foods. You might be surprised at how much better you feel physically and emotionally when you focus on clean eating.

Embracing such changes can be a transformative journey, not only for your body but also for your mind. If you're unsure where to start, consider incorporating more fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals. A colorful plate often means a balanced one, filled with nutrients that nourish both body and soul.

Cooking can also be a therapeutic experience, allowing you to experiment with flavors and create dishes that cater to your tastes and dietary needs. Try exploring new recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients or experimenting with herbs and spices to elevate the flavor profile of your dishes. This can make meals more enjoyable and encourage mindful eating practices.

As you embark on this culinary adventure, remember that food is not just fuel—it's a way to connect with others, explore different cultures, and celebrate the joy of life. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing a meal with loved ones, cherish each bite and savor the moments of togetherness.

Lastly, always listen to your body and its needs. Everyone's dietary journey is unique, and it's important to find what works best for you. By nurturing a positive relationship with food, you can create a lasting impact on your overall health and happiness. Enjoy the process, and here’s to many more delicious discoveries along the way!

Here are some of my favorite recipes from Greece featured in the cookbooks My Greek Meze, My Greek Sweets, and My Greek Taverna, which I collected during our trip to bring a taste of the dishes I most enjoyed back to our table.

Baked Giant Beans

2 1/8 Cup Giant Dried Beans

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2-3 carrots, finely diced

1 red pepper, diced

2 Tbsp tomato paste or 2 ripe tomatoes, crushed

½ bunch celery, coarsely chopped

2 tsp dried oregano

Salt

Pepper

1. Soak the beans overnight in a bowl of cold water.
2. The next day, drain, and place them in a saucepan with plenty of water and salt. Boil until tender. If you want them to be lighter, change the water twice (from the moment it begins to boil). To save time you can use a pressure cooker.
3. Preheat oven to 356* F. Heat half the olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and pepper over high heat, continuously stirring until the vegetables are wilted. Season with salt and pepper, add the tomato paste, celery, and stir for 1 minute.
4. Transfer the beans to baking tray and mix well with the vegetables, the remaining olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and the cup of water in which the beans boiled. Bake in the oven until the vegetables soften (30 minutes). Stir once or twice during baking. Serve hot.

Greek Salad

2 large ripe tomatoes

½ cucumber

1 onion

½ green bell pepper

½ cup feta cheese

8 kalamata olives

1 tsp dried oregano

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt

1. Wash all your vegetables thoroughly.
2. Slice tomatoes and place them in a large bowl add in the cucumbers, onion, pepper all finely slices. Dress in olive oil and place cubed feta on top.