Happy Monday!

A weekend of feasting proportions is almost upon us!

 Every year a group of my great friends come to visit, we choose a theme, and we make complete gluttons out of ourselves. 

Each couple chooses a dish they want to cook, and it is up to them to dazzle the crowd.

It is great fun, and this year, our theme is all things Greek. 

(We are actually even going to have Olympic events!)

Stay tuned for images and recipes!

In preparation for the event, here are some fun facts I learned about Greece:

- According to Greek mythology Athena and Poseidon agreed that whomever gave the best gift would become guardian of the city. Although Poseidon gave the gift of water, Athena’s gift of an olive tree was deemed by the Gods to be more valuable.

- Many Greek structures such as doors, window frames, church domes, and furniture are painted blue, especially in the Cyclades islands. 

It is because there is an ancient belief that blue keeps evil spirits away. 

The color is called ‘kyanos’ which is where the color ‘cyan’ is derived.

- Greece is the leading producer of sea sponges.

 - The saying “to take the bull by its horns,” comes from the Greek myth of Hercules saving Crete by a raging bull by grabbing it by its horns.

- A Spartan specialty was ‘Black Soup’ which was made from salt, vinegar and blood.

- The word ‘barbarian’ is derived from the Greek word barbaroi, which means people who do not speak Greek, and therefore sound like they are always saying ‘bar bar bar bar’…

- Women were not allowed at Greek Feasts, only men.

The only women who were allowed were ‘entertainers’

- The Greeks would sacrifice 100 bulls to Zeus during each Olympics.

-The Greeks revolutionized the art of sculpture. Instead of stiff poses and blank faces, they began to sculpt people in movement, and with emotion/expression.

- Greece has thousands of islands, and the main land is the most mountainous country in the European Union. It has no navigable rivers because of the mountainous terrain. The highest peak, Mount Olympus (where the Gods live) is over 9500 feet above sea level has over 50 peaks. 

The lowest elevation is obviously sea level.

- Greece has the lowest divorce rates in the European Union. They also have the highest abortion rate.

- The wealthy would sacrifice live animals at the temples. 

Poor people who could not afford live animals would leave animals made out of pastry.


Happy Monday Everyone!
OPA!


(Disclaimer: I pulled this information off the Internet so it must all be true, right!? ;)