Basking in the overwhelming success of November's Greek Bake Sale - which was a near sell-out before lunchtime - members of the Ladies of Philoptocus of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church have decided to add another sale to the calendar, this one scheduled for Friday, April 8.
Connie Lee, bake sale committee member, says the decision is the result of demand.
Anne Braly"So many people ask us why we only have one sale a year," she says. "By far it's the No. 1 question we are asked."
In addition to the return of fan favorites - amygdalota, finikia, kataifee, koulourakia, kourambiethes and those yummy tiropita triangles - several new treats have been added to the sale menu. They are:
* Diples: A favorite tea-time dessert of rolled dough, fried and served with syrup, cinnamon and finely chopped walnuts.
* Galatoboureko: Phyllo pie prepared with butter, custard and syrup.
* Loukoumia: A delicate Turkish sweet much favored in Greece. It's a chewy candy that has the perfumed aroma and flavor of roses and almonds.
* Paximathia: Twice-baked Greek cookies flavored with anisette and almond that are similar to biscotti.
* Spanakopita triangles: Savory pastries made with spinach, feta cheese, onions, eggs and herbs - a delight any time of day.
And don't fret, all you lovers of baklava. Though the popular sweet will not be sold, its first-cousin will:
* Floyeres: Flakey, thin sheets of phyllo with walnuts, cinnamon, sugar and syrup rolled to resemble small flutes.
All these made-from-scratch items are ideal for spring functions, says bake sale chairwoman Thea Ballas.
"We have in mind weddings, showers, graduations, Mother's Day and other special occasions," she says, adding that the spanikopita triangles and tiropita (cheese) triangles make great appetizers while other items add a sweet touch to any event.
They keep well, too. You can freeze everything except the loukoumia. And there are baking instructions on all frozen items.
Those of you who have attended the bake sale in the past know that the early birds get the treats, so join the flock and get to the sale when doors open at 8 a.m. They will close at 4 p.m. or when sold out.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to support local charities, as well as donated to Greece and Cyprus to help with their humanitarian crises.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is located across from Memorial Hospital at 722 Glenwood Ave. For more information, call 423-629-2364.
NEW GREEK MARKET
Can't get enough of the Greek Bake Sale? There's a new market scheduled to open in East Ridge on April 18 - Olive Branch Mediterranean Foods at 3992 Ringgold Road - where you'll find all the makings for your favorite Mediterranean recipes, as well as taste them in the accompanying deli or learn how to make them in upcoming cooking classes.
The shelves will be filled with a myriad of cuisines - Greek, Italian and Spanish among them. You'll find cheeses, olive oils and olives, as well as pastas and prepared Mediterranean foods to eat in or to take home and bake. There will also be fresh breads, Greek and antipasta salads, homemade baklava, cannoli and baklava cheesecake.
In addition, the deli menu will feature breakfast and lunch specialties such as feta omelets, gyros, shish kebab, lasagna and Eggplant Parmesan. Monthly cooking classes will begin in the fall, with themes such as "Working With Phyllo."
Owner Callie Meta moved here three years ago and could not find the quality Greek and Italian delicacies she loves.
"So Olive Branch is born," Meta says. The market/cafe will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.