Happy Birthday, Michael & Chelsea!
My brother was blessed with the best birthday gift of his life when his daughter, Chelsea, was born on his birthday 22 years ago! They have a lot in common including wonderful senses of humor, gorgeous smiles, and terrific outlooks on life!
Appetizers
Purchased Pita Chips, Hummus and Greek Olives from Trader Joe’s.
Make-Your-Own Greek Salad
Because not everyone likes everything, I like to create make-your-own salads when we have parties, so everyone can have exactly what they like:
Large bowl of shredded Romaine Lettuce
Very thinly sliced Red Onions, soaked in ice water
Feta Cheese
Kalamata Olives
Tomato Wedges
English Cucumber Slices
Greek Salad Dressing made with Penzeys Greek Seasoning, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, and a pinch of Sugar.
Main Course
This is the second time we’ve made these wonderful kebabs from fellow-blogger,Trevor of Sis.Boom.[Blog!] They’re flavorful and delicious just off the grill or stuffed into Pita Bread with Tzaziki, Tomatoes, and Onions!
If you’ve never had Pastitsio before, I highly recommend it. It’s a bit like Greek Lasagna. The short pasta is tossed with egg whites and cheese as soon as it’s strained. Then, then pasta is layered with a spice-infused tomato meat sauce and topped with fluffy, creamy Bechamel Sauce and more cheese! This is an excellent recipe, but it makes a lot, so unless you’re having company, I suggest cutting it in half.
Another delicious recipe that makes a lot! You could easily cut this one in half, too. It’s a flavorful, colorful side dish that would go well with any kind of meat dish!
Pita Bread
You can serve the Pita Bread as a side, or people can use them to make Gyros with the Chicken. I served regular and whole wheat from Trader Joe’s.
My mother made Tzatziki – I selected a recipe that sounds like hers.
…and Birthday Cake!
My brother and my niece love Root Beer, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter, so I found the perfect cake to make for them! (No, it’s not Greek!)
The chocolate layers are flavored with Root Beer syrup and the frosting is like Peanut Butter Fudge studded with mini Chocolate Chips. I decorated the cake with Rootbeer Jelly Bellys, Dark Chocolate disks from Ghirardelli, and Honey Roasted Peanuts.
Floral Centerpiece |
Enjoy!
These recipes are provided for your personal use. If you publish them, or re-post them, please give me credit. Grazie e Buon Appetito!
Kathy says
Susan, You have a handsome looking brother and a beautiful niece…happy birthday to them both. What an incredible feast you made…that cake is amazing!
Mary says
Happy Birthday Chelsea & Michael!
Susan, your dinner is awesome! I love reading your blog & want to try everything!
Pacheco Patty says
All around amazing feast Susan and your cake is over the top!
Ana says
So how come I wasn’t invited, since after all I am Greek? You did a great job!
Lizzy Do says
Oh, my gosh, what a feast!!! Happy birthday to your lucky brother and niece!