Autorentext

Gus Constantellis (@constantlygus) is an internationally touring Greek American comedian who has gone viral on social media many times for his funny observations about immigrant culture. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and decided to pursue stand-up after trying it for the first time at a talent show at NYU. Gus’s career took off during the pandemic after impersonating his Greek mother in a wig, subsequently leading him to
a national headlining tour in 2022. He was recently featured on Comedy Central and performs in clubs all around New York City. And while he’s amassed almost half-a-million followers across all social media platforms, Gus began his career writing for several children’s television shows, such as The Lion Guard, Rugrats, Princess Power, and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

Klappentext

**Make classic Greek recipes with a side of humor and heart.

**Stand-up comedian Gus Constantellis draws inspiration for his material and online content from his family, especially his mother, Julia, who became a social media star and “Greek mother” for an entire online community. And when she died suddenly in August 2023, that community mourned with him. My Greek Mom’s Recipes is Gus’s deeply personal tribute, a cookbook in which every dish comes with a story about his mother, an immigrant who never learned English yet managed to achieve the American dream.

Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this book offers a comedian’s candid look at grief and family. It will resonate with anyone who’s ever had an overbearing but fiercely loving mother, the kind who expresses affection through food, tough love, and a whole lot of opinions. And the 75 recipes themselves are the real deal—because if there was one thing Julia was known for, besides her razor-sharp humor, it was her unforgettable cooking, including:

• A Greek Easter feast
• Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
• Tzatziki (Yogurt-Garlic Sauce)
• Pastitsio (Baked Ziti)
• Avgolemono (Chicken Lemon Soup)
• Patates Lemonates (Lemon Potatoes)
• Baklava
• and much more!
  These village-style recipes are tried-and-true Greek classics stripped down to their delicious essentials, making them perfect for cooks of all skills. Whether you’re a fan of Greek food or seeking some lighthearted anecdotes, My Greek Mom’s Recipes is a celebration of classic Greek food and culture, and a love letter to mothers everywhere.

Inhalt

Introduction
Greek Mom Catchphrases 
The Greek Kitchen 

Appetizers
Keftedakia (Greek-Style Meatballs) 
Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters) 
Tzatziki (Yogurt-Garlic Sauce) 
Homemade Phyllo Dough 
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) 
Tiropita (Cheese Pie) 
Tiropita tis Tebelas (Lazy Cheese Pie) 
Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip) 
Tiganopsomo (Fried Cheese Bread) 
Saganaki (Fried Cheese) 
Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip) 
Taramosalata (Fish Roe Dip) 
Psarakia Tiganita (Crisy Fried Smelt) 
Kolokithakia Tiganita (Fried Zucchini Chips) 
Xtapodi stin Skara (Grilled Octopus) 

Soups and Salads
Horiatiki Salad (Village-Style Salad) 
Fasolada (White Bean Soup)
Amerikanaki Salad (Mom’s American Salad) 
Soupa Fide (Thin Noodle Soup) 
Fakes (Lentil Soup) 
Avgolemono (Chicken Lemon Soup) 
Giouvarlakia (Meatball Lemon Soup) 

Main Courses
Pastitsio (Baked Ziti) 
Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables) 
Moussaka (Eggplant Ziti) 
Macaronia me Kima (Spaghetti Bolognese) 
Fasolakia (Green Beans) 
Kokkinisto (Beef Stew) 
Sountzoukakia (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce) 
Pita Souvlaki (Souvlaki Pita Sandwiches) 
Beefteki (Hamburgers) 
Youvetsi (Lamb or Beef Stew) 
Makaronopita (Macaroni-Cheese Pie) 
Psito tis Cassarolas (Roast Beef Casserole) 
Roast Beef with Potato Puree 
Kouneli Stifado (Rabbit Stew)

Side Dishes
Patates Tiganites (French Fries) 
Spanakorizo (Spinach Rice) 
Rizi Pilafi (Perfect Rice Pilaf) 
Horta (Greens) 
Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) 
Fourtalia (Greek-Style Potato Omelet) 
Briam (Roasted Vegetables) 
Skordalia (Garlic Dip) 
Gigantes (Greek Giant Beans) 
Patates Lemonates (Lemon Potatoes) 
Bamies (Okra) 
Horiatiko Psomi (Village-Style Bread) 

Greek Easter
Arni sto Fourno me Patates (Lamb Roast) 
Koulourakia (Butter Cookies) 
Magiritsa (Greek Easter Soup) 
Kokkina Avga (Red Dye–Colored Eggs) 
Tsoureki (Easter Bread) 

Desserts
Melamakarona (Honey Walnut Cookies) 
Galaktoboureko (Phyllo-Crusted Custard Cake)
Loukoumades (Fried Dough Balls with Honey Syrup) 
Kourabiedes (Almond Shortbread Cookies) 
Revani (Semolina Cake) 
Baklava 
Elliniki Simaia Tze-llo (Greek Flag Jell-O) 
Portokalopita (Orange Cake) 
Roxakia (Cocoa Swirl Cookies) 
Carrot Ke-kee (Carrot Cake) 
Bundt Ke-kee (Bundt Cake) 
Karithopita (Walnut Cake) 
Fanouropita (The Cake of St. Fanourios) 
Koo-kees (Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies) 
Vasilopita (New Year’s Cake) 
Koliva (Wheat Berry Funeral Food) 

Cocktails and Coffee Drinks
Stray Hound 
Freddo Cappuccino 
Kleo-patra 
Frappé 
Kástra Martini 
Mom’s “Starbucks Frappuccino” 

Index 
Acknowledgments 
About the Author