My Cypriot Table - by Irene Matys (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Bring the warmth of Cyprus to your kitchen with over 100 fresh and vibrant recipes inspired by the beauty and bounty of the Mediterranean.

Embark on a culinary journey with Irene Matys as she brings the heart of Cyprus and the Mediterranean into your kitchen. In My Cypriot Table, Irene expertly bridges traditional Cypriot recipes with contemporary tastes, sharing the flavors of her homeland in every dish. Each recipe highlights Cyprus's rich culinary heritage, whether it be with the aroma of orange blossom and rosewater or with the mildly sweet nuttiness of taro root. Delve into the myriad ways Cyprus's cherished halloumi cheese can elevate your cooking, and explore how classic ingredients, like tahini and mastic, can be creatively paired with North American produce.

Within these pages, you'll find over 100 tried-and-true, approachable recipes, including:

Cypriot Staples: Koubepia (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Flaounes (Sweet and Savory Cheese Pastries), and Eliopita (Cypriot Olive Bread)

Family Gathering Favorites: Lamb Kleftiko (Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb), Spanakorizo (Spinach Rice), and an array of meze to be shared, like Talatouri (Fresh Mint and Cucumber Yogurt Dip) and Halloumi Saganaki (Flaming Halloumi)

Unique Takes on the Classics: Garlic Scape Halloumi Quiche, Cedar Plank Za'atar Salmon with Tahini Yogurt Dip, Grilled Halloumi and Peameal Bacon Sandwiches, and Baklava Butter Tarts

Seasonal, Vegetable-Forward Dishes: Black-Eyed Pea and Rainbow Chard Bruschetta, Butter Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions and Za'atar, and Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Vinaigrette and Walnut Gremolata

Through stunning photography and authentic storytelling, My Cypriot Table captures the beauty of Cyprus's landscape and the warmth of its farm-to-table traditions. Whether preparing a family dinner or hosting a celebration, this cookbook invites you to embrace the pleasure of good food and shared moments.

Review Quotes

"With this absolutely beautiful book, Irene Matys introduces us to the flavors of Cyprus. This is a new and delicious look at Mediterranean/Middle Eastern techniques and tastes, and is a great addition to your cookbook library."--BONNIE STERN, bestselling author of Don't Worry, Just Cook, with her daughter Anna Rupert

"Bursting with the warmth and hospitality of Cyprus, My Cypriot Table reflects the deep love Irene has for her Cypriot culture and is filled with someof the mouthwatering recipes she shared as a lifestyle contributor on CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show. This is a superbly accessible cookbook--you will savor every morsel!"--MARILYN DENIS, host of The Marilyn Denis Show (CHUM 104.5)

"My Cypriot Table is a sensory delight--I can almost hear the halloumi sizzling! Irene's recipes, vivid photography, and heartfelt stories beautifully capture her Cypriot roots with a Canadian twist, turning tradition into something deliciously new."--DEIRDRE BURYK, bestselling author of Peak Season

"Irene is putting Cypriot food on the map and has totally knocked it out of the park with these fresh and delicious recipes."--AFRIM PRISTINE, author of For the Love of Cheese

"The way Irene Matys weaves together her heritage with heartfelt, candid stories to introduce all of the wonderful recipes in My Cypriot Table is nothing short of magical. I was immersed from cover to cover, cooking up delicious Cypriot dishes--ever-accented with Canadian ingredients--along the way!"--DAN CLAPSON, bestselling co-author of Prairie and host of Wish We Never Met podcast

"My Cypriot Table is a treasure. Beautifully photographed and written, it's a valuable tribute to Irene's Cypriot heritage!"--GALATIA PAMBORIDIS, TV chef and cookbook author

About the Author

IRENE MATYS is a farm-to-table advocate who specializes in recipe development, food styling, and food photography. Irene is a proud Greek Cypriot who immigrated to Canada in 1976 as a refugee. She has a passion for cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creating aromatic dishes that feed the eyes and nourish the soul. Irene's love and passion for farm-to-table cooking comes from her family's history as olive growers, olive oil producers, and farmers in Cyprus.