A LITTLE SOMETHING SWEET
Serves 1
Greek yogurt might be all the rage now, but ten years ago it was virtually nonexistent in American grocery stores. I, on the other hand, grew up eating Greek-style sheep’s milk yogurt on my summer visits to the islands. It was made in the traditional method of fermenting in a clay container—the way it’s still sold at most grocers in Greece. I can see why it’s caught on here—its tangy flavor combined with a thick, creamy consistency is so much better than the runny, flavorless stuff you normally get in the dairy aisle.
Makes 1½ cups (about 12 servings)
Yes, you read that right: The nutty, honey-sweetened decadence of Greece’s most famous dessert—without all the layers of buttered phyllo dough and heavy syrup. By folding all the ingredients into softened “butter,” you get a spreadable guilty pleasure to enjoy on sprouted-grain toast, stirred into yogurt, or stuffed into dates. After all, it’s okay to treat yourself once in a while. It’s all about balance! This makes quite a bit and should be used within 10 days, so consider sharing some as a gift!
Bring the seaside to your everyday life. Thalassotherapy, or the therapeutic use of salt water, has been used in Mediterranean countries for hundreds of years. The idea is that you can get many of the benefits of the ocean by applying mineral-rich sea salt to your skin. Depending on the origin of the salt, it may contain sixty or more trace minerals, including copper, zinc, and iron. Formulated into a simple spray, you can absorb these minerals by applying it to the skin in the crook of your arms once or twice daily.
Sometimes one of the simplest ways to feel beautiful is to surround yourself with beautiful things. I’ll never forget the aroma of Tuscany after a rainfall on one of my first trips to the gorgeous countryside. The scent of rich soil combined with the olives, wildflowers, and cypress trees was truly magical. When I got back home, I tried a few store-bought essential oil mixtures that were nice, but didn’t really capture the heart of Tuscany. After tinkering a bit on my own, I managed to get as close as possible to bottling its essence. Here’s a little piece of Tuscan rain and earth for your home.
The first time I made this recipe was in Palm Desert, California, and I used incredible local dates. Later I remembered that figs are a natural acne remedy and revised the formula to combine them with coffee, a natural exfoliant, and skin-conditioning coconut oil and olive oil. Here’s the secret: Sit in the sun for 20 minutes and allow the mask to dry on your skin before rinsing it off. If you have an outside shower for rinsing, that’s optimal, as the coffee can be messy. Or turn a garden hose on low and rinse off while you’re still outside. If you shower inside, just be sure to rinse out your shower fully, so the coffee grounds don’t stain your shower floor.
Exfoliating is essential for radiant skin and stimulating circulation. I recommend brushing your body daily with a dry loofah, and then using this blend for the face and neck (or on your derrière during bikini season). If you don’t have almond meal in your cupboard, you can make it by grinding almonds to a coarse powder in a blender or food processor.
Mediterranean women have been treating their hair with olive oil for centuries, and it’s my go-to conditioner. It keeps long, curly locks particularly shiny. Olive oil helps rejuvenate the hair follicles and moisturize the scalp, while the pumpkin soothes and deeply moisturizes, and the protein in the egg strengthens. Try this treatment once a week; it’s great for both women and men.
When you make Greek Wild Greens or simple boiled greens, don’t toss out the water! If you’ve used organic greens, the leftover braising liquid can do wonders for your skin topically as a natural polyphenol spritzer—or a natural antioxidant and protectant for the skin. What inspired me to make this toner was a similar product from a Palm Desert, California, shop called The Body Deli. I developed this version for my clients to use during their detox, especially if they were preparing for an important event, like a wedding, movie role, or even an appearance on the red carpet during awards season.