Blog :: Archive for February 2012
Zimaropita Dough Pie
It's becoming quite a tradition now to welcome Georgios into the shop on a Saturday and see what he's been baking. This week he's gone all savoury and brought us a zimaropita dough pie, originating from northern Greece. He told us it's a peasants' pie, in that it's a back of the store cupboard recipe. It has a lovely flavour of cheese and feta, and has a squashy, doughy texture from the combination of flour and yoghurt in it. While he was here he regaled us with tales of tripe, but they were a bit grim, so we won't go into that.
Posted on Saturday, 25th February 2012
A Few Fine Things in Japan
We are currently very busy in the workshop putting the finishing touches to a range of bags for Japan. It comprises a backpack, a tote, two holdalls and a bumbag made from heavy cotton in olive and moss colours. The bags are based on traditional British working designs.
Posted on Saturday, 25th February 2012
Beloved Old Skirt to Beloved New Bag
A lovely lady who had one of our bags several years ago has asked us to repurpose one of her old skirts. She has a skirt she loves, but no longer wears, so we are transforming it into the lid for her new bag. The skirt arrived in the post today ready for us to get to work on. We can't wait to see the finished result!
Posted on Thursday, 23rd February 2012
Honey Tart
No, it's not the pet name of anyone in the shop, it's our Saturday treat from Georgios. The Portuguese honey tart has no sugar in it, but it does contain a whole jar of honey. It takes on the subtle flavour of whichever honey is used, this one has the delicate taste of lime blossom. Georgios whipped it up this morning as an alternative to watching another episode of Judge Judy on the telly, and very glad we are!
Posted on Saturday, 18th February 2012
Saint Fanourios Pie
Today Georgios told us all about Saint Fanourios. He is the Greek Orthodox patron saint of lost items. He has his own pie (there is no Greek word for cake, so it is known as a pie), which consists of seven ingredients; olive oil, flour, sugar, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon and orange. If you lose something you can bake this cake and St. Fanourios will help you find what you've misplaced. This also applies if you happen to be an unmarried woman who is yet to find her husband! Sleeping with a slice of the cake under your pillow will make you dream of the man you're going to marry. A pretty impressive cake huh?! And as it contains no eggs or butter, it's vegan, so everyone can enjoy its mystical powers and tasty deliciousness.
Posted on Saturday, 11th February 2012
A Taste of Turkey in Snowy Manchester
What more could we ask for on a snowy Saturday morning than Georgios arriving with more baked goodies to tantalise our taste buds? Today's Turkish treat comes in the form of pistachio and rose şekerpare - yummy little syrup soaked cookies which are divine! Just the job to keep us going if we get snowed in.
Posted on Saturday, 4th February 2012
Interviews In Progress
This week we have been interviewing for our Workshop Manager position. We've met some really interesting and exciting people, we wish we could give them all a job! But we have to whittle it down to one person, so keep your eyes peeled in the shop for a new face soon...
Posted on Thursday, 2nd February 2012