Cretanvista Site News & News Reviews - January 2007 Issue 47 |
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No links to sites with adult content accepted. |
JANUARY
WEATHER ...
_____________________________ Although
Wilf and Pam are back from the UK, we are breaking them back into the routine gently, and Richard and Ann are
guest editors again this month. Spring
is galloping in early this year. The almond blossom is well into flower (see
above) the orchids are beginning to poke through and the dainty anemones are
dancing to a silent tune in the olive groves. (Please excuse the purple prose
– I think the sap must be rising!) It
would be unusual for us to escape with such a mild winter, so we are half
expecting a sudden cold snap to bring us to our senses. On a
recent trip up to our flat roof to check the level in the central heating oil
tank, we discovered that it was several degrees warmer up there than at ground
level, and sheltered from the chilly north wind. We have previously made the
ascent by ladder, but immediately decided we would get a metal staircase
fitted so we could use the roof as another sitting area. I have
started to compile a photographic record of the various plants that go into
kalitsounia horta. One day I shall have a little picture book which I can keep
in my pocket so I can go out and collect my own in the hedgerows. But for the
time being, I have to go accompanied by an expert so I don’t collect deadly
nightshade or datura leaves. The
‘somba’ – the cast iron stove in the kitchen – was coaxed into life by
adding wood and almond shells, and everything gradually got a fine covering of
flour and fine ash. Due to the
rain outside, it was now well past twilight indoors and Mama grudgingly agreed
we could turn the light on so I could see what I was doing.
And what was I doing? I had
to pile little mounds of horta onto the strips of pastry, fold the front end
over, seal the pastry around the horta and make a semi-circular cut with a
pizza wheel. Result? A little pie the shape of a Cornish pasty.
This was then laid on a large floured board to await its turn on the
top of the ‘somba’. Eventually
the ‘somba’ was at the required heat (no thermometer – just Mama’s
experience told her), and a cast-iron sheet was laid on the top, and the pies
set out in rows on the sheet. After
a few minutes, each had to be lifted to check its underside, and flipped over
if judged to be ready. The browned side was then brushed with a flick of oil.
After another few minutes, it was flipped back over and the other side brushed
with oil. The pie was ready when
it made the right noise when tapped with a knife. Strangely
enough, as soon as the first ones were coming off the production line, people
started appearing at the door. Chairs were de-floured and bottoms were settled
into seats, and the salivating guests were each presented with a plateful of
delicious pies. Richard, of course, having been there with his camera to
record the proceedings (see photos below) was the first to taste, and duly pronounced the
kalitsounias to be well up to scratch. I couldn’t possibly tell you how many
he ate, but it was more than six and less than eight!
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In the News .... 'Varsity reform rally ends in violence... Knitting nuns cast off after incurring
debts...
55 nuns who were running a knitwear business from their
monastery in northern Greece slipped a stitch and cast off after incurring
half a million euros in debts. Balcony collapse injures two...
A passer-by and a workman were injured when a balcony collapsed in Heraklion. Greek heirlooms sold
at Christies... Cancer 'cure'
de-bunked....
A TV story claiming that the leaves of olive trees could help
cancer sufferers almost led to a frenzy, with olive leaves selling for up to
60 euros a kilo. Unfortunately, health authorities say there is no evidence to
support the claim.
Link
to story.
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FREE... TWO HOLIDAY VILLAS... www.provencebeyond.com Well worth a visit if you are interested in France, especially the southern parts. |
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FERRY SERVICES. |
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Moving to Crete - Practical Advice.. An e-mail copy is available as a Microsoft word file - a very fast email of very useful information. |
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The kalitsounia production line, village-style |
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________________________ Getting
the bird It
took her a number of attempts to realise that a round light fitting was not
the best place on which to lay an egg. I understand now how the phrase “bird
brain” arose.
Living history
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A Little Site News - Photo Galleries. Miniature Chapels of Crete. |
E-Mail Requests.. _________________________ The
Cretan Vista Calendar Photos - Birds. (Please email us
before sending pictures). |
Best Books..
Latest Book Reviews...
__________________ And
finally…. Stupid
me. A few days later she turned up at the door with a clump that she had dug
up for me, to plant in the garden. Yes, it was the ones we had been enjoying
on our daily walk. I could have cried. How do you explain to people here that
the English have destroyed the wildflowers in their own country by overpicking
and herbicides, and that they must take care of these treasures before it is
too late?
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