Ever since I was a little girl I admired my grandmother every time I saw her skillfully making her little round loukoumades by hand… In one swift motion and with a spoon, she would instantly give the dough a round shape and carefully drop it into the hot oil... And then that sizzling sound... Drain the oil on absorbent paper and then the honey and cinnamon completed the ritual... The time seemed endless, as we couldn't wait to taste them, young and old alike! "Bravo Grandma!!!! You got them! You are the best grandma in the world!!!" the voices were heard as the delicious loukoumades were disappearing...
Years have passed and now that grandma is no longer here... I tried many times to copy her "magic" skill, but although the taste was always good I never managed to get that nice round shape!!! The unsurpassed technique of the old generation...
Well…loukoumades! A traditional dessert that no greek home is without when in a festive mood. Other times it becomes the occasion for morning family gatherings when mom informs us "I'm going to make loukoumades"... and that's how everything becomes sweeter on Sundays, when we are not separated by miles or seas... But on St. Andrew's Day, they are a must for those who follow the traditions and that old saying of the grandmothers that "you will get a hole in your pan if you don't make loukoumades on November 30"… And we who love these fluffy balls wrapped in honey and cinnamon, don't miss the opportunity to follow the custom, even though we know well that St. Andrew will not bother with our pan!
Over the years, loukoumades have taken various forms and are accompanied not only by honey and cinnamon but also by other delicious ingredients, such as ice cream, praline, white chocolate, jam, fruit... And because human imagination and taste have no limits, now we can find them in their savory version!!! Greeks have put them in our lives for good and we enjoy them many times with our coffee on our outings or any time depending on our mood. For those of you who are visiting Greece for the first time, don't forget to try them and get a taste of Greek tradition! No doubt it will be one of those gastronomic experiences that will be unforgettable and why not.... and a sweet excuse for your next excursion to the Greek ...soils!!!!
Dedicated to my grandmother Marika...
