The combination of these natural ingredients provides antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action to our skin, so it can and does rejuvenate, cleanse and help control oiliness.

Benefits of Soap with essential oils for the face:

Dittany: Dittany essential oil can help reduce dark circles under the eyes as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sage: Sage essential oil can help regulate the oiliness of the skin, reducing the likelihood of acne.

Thyme: Thyme essential oil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce acne and bacteria on the skin.

Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil is known for regulating skin oiliness and reducing acne breakouts.

Oregano: Oregano essential oil offers antioxidant protection and helps to rejuvenate the skin.

For the recipe, you can use the following ingredients:

Soap base (glycerine base or castor oil base)

Essential oil of your choice (dittany, sage, thyme, rosemary, rosemary, oregano)

utensils for melting the soap base and mixing the ingredients

Soap shapes of your choice

The procedure includes:

Melt 200 grams of the soap base according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Add 20-25 drops of the selected essential oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Mix the ingredients well until they are combined.

Pour the mixture into the soap molds and allow them to cool and harden.

Remove the soaps from the molds and allow them to dry for 24-48 hours before using them.

For use

Rub your hands with the soap and water and create foam. Apply the foam to the face in gentle circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse well with water and gently pat the face dry. You should follow up with a moisturizer.

With such a very simple procedure you can have a natural soap with essential oils of Cretan herbs, which will provide well-being and benefits to your skin, gently cleansing the face and leaving it refreshed and glowing.

 

“The mountain tea with cinnamon, through its warmth and aroma, touches the senses and fills our interior with calm and comfort, like an embrace that offers warmth and comfort to the heart and soul”

Ceylon Cinnamon – Cassia Cinnamon

There are two main types of cinnamon, Ceylon and Cassia, which are offered either as sticks or ground. The most commonly found on the market is the cassia with its strong aroma and dark brown colour, but the Ceylon cinnamon is nutritionally superior, with a lighter colour and a thinner wood.

Numerous scientific studies are studying the properties of cinnamon with most of them focusing on its antioxidant and antimicrobial action and its action against diseases such as Alzheimer’s, digestive disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

For lovers of herbal teas, cinnamon is a wonderful accompaniment and flavor enhancer adding even more aromas and properties ! Add plain cinnamon or combine your herb with cinnamon and honey, the combination of which is unique.

Try the Cretan mountain tea – malotira with cinnamon and take advantage of their aromas and properties!

Try the Cretan mountain tea, malotira, with an addition of cinnamon and indulge in a journey of aromas. This combination is ideal for those seeking a natural source of wellness and warmth. Malotra, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, combined with cinnamon, which helps regulate blood sugar and offers a rich aromatic character, create a tea rich in flavour and nutritional value.

Preparation of herbal tea malotira with cinnamon

1. Place 2 to 3 stems of dried malotira and a small amount of cinnamon in a container that can be closed. If you have the cinnamon powder put half a teaspoon, if you have the chopsticks break them up and use a small amount of the chunks respectively.
2. Add 200ml (one cup) of hot water, temperature 90^°C.
3. Wait for five minutes letting the herb release its hidden power! The time depends on how ”strong” you want your drink to be, the longer you leave it, the stronger it gets.
4. Remove the herb from the pot.
5. Our beverage is ready to be enjoyed. If you prefer sweeter flavours, add a little honey, which also goes well with the cinnamon.

Remember! We want our water to be just before the boiling point so that we don’t lose the essential oils of our herb in the steam. The pot must be closed in order to capture qualities and aromas in our hot cup.

You can wonderfully choose another herb of your choice instead of Malotira. This can be dittany, sage or a combination of them!

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 200g of feta cheese
• handful of cherry tomatoes (150g)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 tbls of Kalamata olives
• 60 ml of olive oil
• chili flakes
• dried thyme or rosemary (can be both)

Method:

• Place feta in the middle of baking dish (not too big, around 25cm). Place tomatoes, olives and garlic around it (do not peel the garlic for not burning it).
• Pour feta and veggies with the olive oil and sprinkle them with chili flakes and the dried herbs.
• Bake everything around 15-20 min in 180^ο After 10 minutes mix veggies around and with a spoon gather the oil from the baking dish and pour it over them.
• Once your dish is ready, use spoon and mix well feta cheese in the middle. It should be super soft. Pour it also with the olive oil of the baking dish as before.

Tips: You can put it in your sandwich or as a hot appetizer accompanied with toasted bread. Enjoy!

Greek Salad – Recipe

Ingredients for 2 servings:

Tomatoes: 3-6 ripe tomatoes, sliced

Cucumber: 2 large cucumbers, sliced

Onion: 1 spring onion, finely chopped

Kalamata olives: A few, depending on your preference

Feta: 150 g feta cheese, cut into square pieces.

Extra virgin olive oil: 4-6 tablespoons.

Seasoning blend for Greek Salad by tofillo : (Oregano, Thyme, Spearmint, Basil)

Execution of the Greek Salad recipe:

In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber and onion.

Add the Kalamata olives and mix gently.

Place the feta piec

es on top of the ingredients.

Scatter the herb mixture on top.

Add the extra virgin olive oil to bring out the flavors.

Gently toss the salad so that the ingredients are evenly combined, but be careful not to break the feta.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Greek salad is best served cold and fresh to fully experience the aromas and flavors it has to offer.

Enjoy!

Salad calories

In total, a serving of this Greek salad can have about 450 calories, depending on the exact quantities and the ingredients that were ultimately served.

Greek salad is full of natural ingredients that provide vitamins and nutrients. Apart from the calories, it is a dish that highlights the fresh and pure products of the Greek land.

5 Tips for the Greek Salad:

Both tomatoes and cucumbers are vegetables that should not be kept in the fridge. Keep at room temperature to get all the flavours and aromas.

For an authentic salad, choose ripe and tasty tomatoes.

In the salad, opt for quality feta cheese, which should be salty and firm.

If you want your salad to shine, use virgin olive oil and why not use an extra virgin olive oil for a dressing that will stand out.

To give the salad a livelier character, add a little lemon or vinegar to the dressing, which will bring out the flavours and add a fresh note.

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

2-3 servings:

• 400-500g of chicken, pork or lamb
• 2 tbls of lemon juice
• 2-3 tsp of Madara by tofillo BBQ mix
• 1 garlic clove
• 3 tbls extra virgin olive oil

Method:

• Cut your meat into 2-3cm pieces, mix well with BBQ mix, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil and leave overnight¹ in a fridge.
• Prepare your skewers. Pass the meat pieces at the wooden skewers².
• Preheat the skillet to a high temperature and grill your souvlaki. Change sides after each 5 minutes.

Tips:

¹ Time will make your meat soft and juicy.

² Put wooden skewers into a cup with warm water before you start assembling the meat so as to prevent them from burning.

 

“In tzatziki lies the simplicity and wisdom of Greek cuisine. With few ingredients, we have unforgettable flavors”

 

Ingredients for Tzatziki :

Servings: 2

• 1 big cucumber
• 300g of Greek yoghurt
• 1 tbls vinegar
• 2 tbls extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp of Madara by tofillo Tzatziki mix

Method for Tzatziki:

• Wash one big cucumber and grate it.
• Use your hands and lightly squeeze it between your palms over the sink or a bowl to remove excess moisture.
• Add Greek yoghurt, vinegar, olive oil and Tzatziki mix from Madara by tofillo.Move the squeezed cucumber to a serving bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and garnish witch black olives if you wish.Mix well and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Tips:

To fully enjoy tzatziki, try it with the following dishes:

1. The fresh taste balances perfectly with grilled meats.
2. Fish and seafood: Try it with grilled fish or seafood, such as shrimp and squid. The tzatziki adds a special flavor.
3. Vegetables: Choose cool vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers and peppers to dip in tzatziki.
4. Potatoes: Whether fried or baked, potatoes go great with tzatziki.
5. Rice and pilaf: Try tzatziki with a plain white rice or a spicy pilaf for an interesting flavor combination.
6. These options will enhance the taste experience of tzatziki, making it a versatile and beloved traditional Greek dish.

Our friend Marlena suggests instead of vinegar to taste it with lemon juice (at the same dosage).

Ingredients for the Briam:

• 2 eggplants cut into large pieces
• 2 pumpkins cut into large pieces
• 2 medium tomatoes cut into small pieces
• 2 dry onions cut into slices
• 2 cloves of garlic, medium sliced
• 2 potatoes cut into large slices
• 1 red pepper cut into large pieces
• 1 green pepper cut into large pieces
• 1/2 bunch of parsley finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of cooking mix for vegetables
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• ½ tsp. sugar
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Preparation of the recipe for Briam – Tourlou:

• Wash all the vegetables and chop them
• In a wide saucepan, heat half of the olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic for 2′.
• Add the peppers, pumpkins, eggplants, potatoes and vegetable mixture. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the chopped tomatoes
• Add salt, pepper and sugar.
• Slowly cook for 20 minutes (without adding water).
• Finally, drizzle with the remaining olive oil
• Sprinkle with the chopped parsley
• Remove from the heat
• Cover the pot and let the food rest for 5 minutes, then serve.

Tips:

• Use fresh and seasonal vegetables for the best taste.
• The cooking mix for vegetables will add a special aromatic character to your dish.

Briam is more than just a vegetable dish. It is an experience that combines rich flavor, high nutritional value and simplicity in preparation. Pair it with feta cheese for an even more complete dining experience. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Lamb Chops

• Oil
• Dry white wine
• Lemon juice
• MADARA mix for Marinade
• Freshly ground pepper

Combine it with oil, dry white wine, lemon juice, MADARA marinade mix and freshly ground pepper, it brings out the explosive flavor in lamb chops, emphasizing the freshness and lightness of the meat.

Ingredients for Chicken

• Oil
• Yoghurt
• Mustard
• Orange juice
• MADARA mix for Marinade
• Freshly ground pepper

The combination with oil, yoghurt, mustard, orange juice, MADARA marinade mix and pepper, gives the chicken a spicy and refreshing taste, ideal for grilling or barbecue.

Ingredients for Pork

• Oil
• Honey
• Orange juice
• Red dry wine
• MADARA mix for Marinade
• Freshly ground pepper

Suggested combination with oil, honey, orange juice, dry red wine, MADARA Marinade mix, and freshly ground pepper, offers a sweet and sour taste to the pork, balancing the sweetness of the honey with the acidity of the wine and orange.

But what is in the recommended mix?

Ingredients: Savory, Rosemary, Sage, Verbena, Oregano, Pepper, Sweet Chilli Flakes

If you want to discover all the MADARA blends click here

Preparation for the recipe:

Simply mix and lightly whisk all ingredients in a glass bowl. Apply the marinade to the meat and allow it to develop a depth of flavor before cooking.

Tips:

• Marinate meats for at least 2 hours or, better yet, overnight for intense flavor.
• Always use fresh ingredients for your marinades for maximum flavor yield.

With these marinades, you’re ready to turn any meat meal into a culinary feast, discovering the multifaceted flavors offered by Cretan cuisine.

Ingredients for Dakos:

• Cretan barley rusks (dakos)
• 2 red tomatoes, juicy, scraped on a grater or in pieces
• 50 g mizithra or crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon of Cretan virgin olive oil
• MADARA mix for vegetables
• Olives
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Execution:

1. Depending on the dakos and its hardness, you can lightly moisten it with water or red wine to add another touch of aromatic complexity.
2. Add the tomato on top and season lightly with salt, allowing the juices to meet the rich flavor of the rusk.
3. Top the tomato with the myzithra or crumbled feta and add the oil, creating an exceptionally flavorful balance.
4. Finish with the olives and sprinkle with the vegetable mixture, which will highlight the flavors.

Tips for the perfect Dako:

• For a more wet dakos, feel free to add a little more olive oil or water. Texture is key in this dish.
• Cretan dakos is ideal served as an appetizer or as a light meal, accompanied by a glass of Cretan wine for a complete culinary experience.

The Nutritional Value of Cretan Dakos: A Treasure of Health

Apart from its undeniable taste value, Cretan dakos offers significant nutritional benefits, making it the ideal choice for those who wish to combine pleasure with health. The barley rusks are a rich source of dietary fibre, enhancing digestive function, while the tomatoes add a significant dose of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The use of Cretan virgin olive oil, known for its cardioprotective properties, adds an extra element of health, while xinomizithra or feta cheese are rich sources of calcium and protein. The addition of the MADARA vegetable mix, as well as olives, enriches the dish with minerals and healthy fats. Thus, Cretan dakos is a balanced choice that contributes to the well-being and strengthening of the body, highlighting the Cretan diet as a true gift for health.

Cretan dakos is more than just a dish. It is an experience that brings Crete to your table, highlighting the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the island. With this recipe, you’re ready to taste travel to the heart of Crete, enjoying every bite.

Ingredients:

• 500 g medium-sized shrimps
• 2 whole garlic cloves
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 400 g chopped fresh tomatoes or one package of canned tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of MADARA mix for fish
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shot of ouzo
• ½ teaspoon of brown sugar
• 500 g linguini or spaghetti pasta
• Salt
• Freshly grated pepper

Recipe execution:

1. Boil the pasta according to the instructions and keep it with some of the water.
2. Clean the shrimp and sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil.
3. Add the shrimp, sauté, and then deglaze with ouzo.
4. When the shrimp are done, remove them from the pan.
5. Then add the tomatoes and sugar, bringing the sauce to a boil.
6. Return the shrimp to the sauce and add the pasta, letting it absorb the flavors.

Tips for Great Shrimp Pasta:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the type of pasta. Linguine adds a wonderful texture, but spaghetti works just as well.
• A shot of ouzo is a key to the explosion of flavors in the sauce. If you’re not a fan of ouzo, then you can use white wine.
• Adding a little of the pasta boiling water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it a creamier finish.

Nutritional Value of Shrimp Pasta: A Plate Rich in Benefits

Shrimp spaghetti combines the rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids from shrimp with the antioxidants of tomatoes and the monounsaturated fats of olive oil, offering significant benefits for heart health. At the same time, the pasta adds energy through complex carbohydrates, making the dish a balanced choice for those seeking a healthy diet without sacrificing taste.

Shrimp spaghetti is a dish that showcases the purity and freshness of seafood, offering a truly Mediterranean experience. By following the steps and applying the tips, you will offer a dish that your guests will remember for a long time.