A Taste of Greek Baking
Greek baking is a culinary journey through time, where ancient recipes intertwine with modern palates, crafting delicacies that stand the test of time. Each bite, from the flaky layers of filo pastry to the syrupy sweetness of baklava, carries the essence of Greek culture, inviting you to indulge in its rich heritage. In every crumb lies a story, a tradition, and an invitation to savour the charm of Greece's culinary offering.
The Baker
Now to introduce you to our wonderful baker behind this delicious Greek classic!Name: Sophie Tsoukkas (@sophiebakescakes.x)
Home country: London
The Story Behind the Bake
The bake is a Portokalopita (Orange Cake) and although it is referred to as cake, it lends itself more to a dessert.
This is a classic dessert found throughout Greece, the Greek islands and in Cyprus. Every good bakery will sell Portokalopita and if they don’t, you need to find another bakery.
This is a traditional recipe and is everything you would usually find in a classic Portokalopita. I also like to add a bit of salt and a lid of brandy to really elevate and infuse the flavours and that is my own unique touch. I also use vanilla sugar sachets from Cyprus which produce a different aroma to normal vanilla sugar/essence.
This dessert is best enjoyed with either a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of Greek coffee (or both)!
Portokalopita is the first dessert I ever recall taking a spoon of and being in awe of the taste. I was completely mesmerised by the extent of its sweetness and strong orange flavours. To this day, it remains my favourite Greek dessert. Every time I eat Portokalopita, the aroma transports me my childhood holidays in Cyprus picking oranges with my grandfather in the orange groves.
