Greek Lemon Chicken Soup for the Soul - Avgolemono Soup with Orzo

Soup for the soul

Today is a good day to be inside puttering away in the kitchen. With an upcoming trip to the Yucatan only weeks away I am dreaming of my first real sojourn many years ago. Greece is thousands of kilometres from the Yucatan but it was the vision of sun-drenched beaches and the need for something soothing with what I had on hand that instigated my endeavours. Today in my own kitchen I am taking an armchair journey and replicating an iconic Greek soup that can be found in almost every taverna in Greece; at least that would be my expectation. I remember as if it were yesterday being in a taverna in the mountainous regions of Greece in the tiny town of Metsovo in the northern most part of the Zagoria region. I was in the central square near the orthodox church nursing a lingering cold with a tasty version of this soup. Early evening had been a wonderful time to arrive. As we descended through the mist, dazzling lights twinkled in the ravine. Stone houses with grey slate roofs and sharply projecting balconies lined the steep serpentine alleyways. An oasis off the square promised a tasty bite or two to nourish my soul and my weary body while savouring every bite of the local version of Avgolemono. A frugal soup that can be made in a pinch with what is on hand. 

Sniffling I observed the elderly men sitting on a bench lined up like crows in black flat caps, dark baggy pants and wooden shoes. The older women coming from the market with their freshly picked garden greens wore dark blue or black with embroidered trim and brightly coloured aprons, jackets and scarves. 

My Best Bites in the Valley

Another year has come and gone and I look back fondly on the past year and on all of the memorable eating experiences we have had in 2014. Although it may be difficult to name just a few I will attempt to name my favourites among them. Some are just a memory without any photographic evidence but savoured on the tongue, some cannot be replicated, duplicated, or reinvented, but all of these food memories have left their footprints in my memory card; shared with good friends these memories will linger forever. The journey does not stop here.

Apple Doughnuts with Caramel Sauce and Rosemary Ice Cream

Technically this is not a dessert I tried last year but it was so perfect, it just had to be added to this list. I will consider it my first monthly choice for 2015 of the Best Bites in the Valley...Apple Doughnuts with Caramel Sauce and Rosemary Ice Cream at Local Lounge • Grille in Summerland. Now if that wasn't perfection….

Continue the Celebration with Late Night Tapas and a Cocktail for the Virtual Supper Club

Kibbeh Meatballs with Spiced Yogurt Sauce and a Pomegranate Gin Sling

It is that time of the year when we think of new beginnings and look at the world through rose coloured glasses with hope for another great year. We join the gym, make New Year resolutions, and change our eating habits. But we are here to tell you that you can still enjoy all the great foods you love in moderation and still be true to your goals. 

This months theme for the Virtual Supper Club was chosen by our very own Susan of The Spice Garden.  The celebrations continue without all the trimmings and gravy of the holiday season and move over to the "light side." We always appreciate you joining us for this monthly event where a group of ladies and one gent in two neighbouring countries get together on the first Wednesday of every month to create a delicious event with a theme in mind. We can look back nostalgically as 2015 marks the beginning of our fifth year of tasty dishes here at the Cooking Light Virtual Supper Club.  This is a team effort where we will continue to share a love for healthy eating and living into 2015. We look forward each month to strengthening our bonds, and enjoying each others company virtually. Here at the Cooking Light Virtual Supper Club we have dreamed up a menu on the healthier side without giving up any of the comfort you find in delicious food.