What’s in Store with Marissa Papaconstantinou: Pusateri’s Avenue Rd

Hey everyone, it’s Paralympic medalist sprinter and Canadian record holder Marissa Papaconstantinou! I’m proud to continue exploring my Greek heritage in partnership with Krinos Canada by visiting some amazing spots around the country spreading #FetaCulture.

Now that I’m well into my training program for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France, I’ve had to lay off my favourite sweets & indulgences. But, that hasn’t stopped my coach Bob Westman from teasing us during our tough practices, snacking on a cupcake or two. He’s got a huge sweet tooth and one his favourite spots to fulfill confectionary dreams is at Pusateri’s Fine Foods, so I had to check it out!

I visited their flagship location on Avenue Road in Toronto, Ontario to meet up with Pusateri’s marketing lead, Paolo Pusateri. It’s where it all started for them in 1963 when Paolo’s grandfather, Cosimo, had a vision for a neighbourhood shop that provided the best food combined with best shopping experience.

The family calls Sicily, Italy home and the Mediterranean influence on the product selection is evident here right up to the Krinos Feta Cheese they feature on retail shelves and also use in their delectable ready-to-eat foods.

“Well, Krinos is a staple. You can’t really get better local quality. They have amazing feta made from Canadian milk.” mentioned Paolo. He tells me that Pusateri’s spends a lot of time sourcing only the best products, working with local vendors and international producers to create a fresh emporium of gourmet goods.

One of Paolo’s favourite ways to use Krinos Feta Cheese is that TikTok famous pasta recipe…one of my go to’s too for quick and tasty fuel after a long day of training. That’s all from me for now! Make sure to stay tuned for my next visit on the Krinos Canada Kitchen Blog.

Greek Chicken Harvest Bowls

Our Greek Chicken Harvest Bowls are satisfyingly savoury, easy to prepare, that every member of the family will enjoy! A quick and healthy one pan dinner for those late weeknights, for meal prep or a breeze to whip up on those busy weekends. The mix of Krinos souvlaki seasoning, Kalamata olives, and feta pack a punch that gives everyday chicken dinners a much-needed makeover. To take it to the next level, we add our new creamy Greek Yogurt Tzatziki Dip right on top to finish these bowls with extra flavour.

Follow along below and maybe this could be dinner tonight!

First you will need to preheat your oven to 375 F. Add your broccoli florets and diced sweet potato into a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix to ensure an even coating of oil and spices then transfer to a 12×18 toasting pan lined with parchment paper making sure they are in an even single layer. Don’t skip this step, it ensures even cooking. Set the mixing bowl and what is already in it aside and add in the remaining olive oil and Krinos souvlaki seasoning. Massage this all into the chicken so all pieces are evenly coated and have the flavour locked in. Add the chicken to the other half of the roasting pan.

Place the roasting pan into the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Be sure to flip everything halfway through. You will see slight browning around the edges when everything is nice and roasted. (Note that chicken needs to be cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165 F or higher). Once they are removed from the oven, allow to rest and then slice or dice to your preference.

While the chicken and vegetables are roasting, get started on the Israeli Couscous which is the delicious, base for your bowls. Israeli Couscous differs from traditional Couscous in that it is much larger and heartier, it is also called ‘pearl’ couscous because of its size and shape. Get your salted water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium sized pot and cook the Israeli Couscous according to the package directions. Drain and toss in a splash of Krinos Extra Virgin Olive Oil, parsley, and lemon juice until combined.

Have your roasted chicken pieces, vegetables, dressed couscous and all the amazing toppings set up like an assembly line for ease in creating these beautiful bowls.  Evenly divide the couscous between the bowls, top with the roasted vegetables and chicken, then add the crumbled feta, pitted olives and a healthy helping of our new Tzatziki Dip. Want a spicier kick? Use our Jalapeno Tzatziki Dip!

A one pan dinner that translates into a creative and exciting new way to enjoy the humble chicken breast. A fun family tip to get the kids involved – set up their bowls with the couscous base and allow them to add their own toppings!

Click here to discover the recipe.

Cilantro & Feta Grilled Corn Ribs

Corn on the cob is a summer staple and we have an upgrade to this classic that you won’t want to miss out on! We have the ultimate corn side dish or vegetarian main – Corn Ribs! The way the corn is cut off the cob makes for this unique shape that is easy to prepare and even easier to eat. A good slather of our loaded butter and a bright topping of feta are the perfect partners to this crunchy, craveable corn!

Ready in under 30 minutes here’s how it’s done:

Preheat your BBQ to 350o F (note this can also be done on an indoor grill or Air Fryer).  Ensure your ears of corn have the husks and as many of the silks removed as possible.

Trim the top and bottom of each ear of corn so they are flat on both ends. Then cut each ear of corn in half in the middle. Take each half, stand up on the widest part for more control, and cut in half vertically. This is the part where we now get our corn “ribs”, when you then take each halves that you have just cut and cut them into quarters.

Give each corn rib a light brush with vegetable oil and place on the hot grill and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes or until slightly charred.   (This is where you can add into your Air Fryer and cook according to the instructions for your specific appliance). Get your melted butter ready because this is the best part!

Once the corn is charred to your liking, remove from the grill onto your serving platter and slather with the melted butter and a sprinkle chili powder or flakes. Top with a generous helping of crumbled feta and the chopped cilantro. For another layer of flavour, place tangy lime wedges around the platter to be squeezed upon serving. You have now mastered the corn rib – a dish your guests will be asking you to make again and again!

Click here to discover the recipe.

Summer Tomato Salad with Grilled Peaches and Feta

That’s right, we said ‘grilled’ peaches, but don’t worry it’s easier than you think. Sweet Ontario peaches are now in season! We’re going to combine this tasty fruit with our Krinos feta to add some excitement to a simple heirloom Tomato Salad. This recipe plays on the perfect combination and contrast of the sweet peaches and salty feta, while highlighting these juicy and fresh heirloom tomatoes. This will sure be a treat, are you ready? Let’s get started!

Preheat a well-oiled barbeque to 350˚F to grill the peaches to perfection. As the grill is heating up, cut up your peaches in quarters and toss them in just enough oil that lightly coats them. Once the grill has reached its required temperature, place them cut side down on the barbeque. To achieve those nice grill marks, cook the peaches no longer than 2-4 minutes. Flip pieces to the other side and proceed to cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. Once completed, set aside your peaches, and begin to prepare your salad.

Cut your heirloom tomatoes into wedges or rounds approximately 1cm thick and cut the heirloom grape tomatoes in halves. These tomatoes are perfectly ripped and full of flavour as they thrive in the month of July! As they add an earthy, almost smoky sweetness to them that really complements this salad. Grab your favourite Krinos feta and crumble them into bite-sized or block sized pieces, we won’t tell!

As we begin to assemble the salad, layer the fresh sliced heirloom tomatoes onto a serving platter, then followed by the halved heirloom grape tomatoes. To enhance these flavours, use a pinch of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper to season your tomatoes to the desired taste.

Once completed, nestle the grilled peaches in and around the seasoned tomatoes. Generously sprinkle Krinos Greek feta evenly across the dish, its rich buttery bite taste will dance with the sweetness of the peaches on your palate! As a finisher, top your dish with a drizzle of Krinos Extra Virgin Olive Oil followed by Krinos sweet Balsamic Glaze, then sprinkle in some fresh or flake basil leaves and your meal is ready to be served!

This dish is easy to whip up on those busy weeknights or will leave your guests wanting more! This Tomato salad with grilled peaches and feta will always be a classic summer staple, enjoy it while you can!

Check out the recipe here

Festive Feta Fillo Cigars

The best part of holiday entertaining is mingling and gathering with family and friends, not spending the entire night cooking in the kitchen. Our herbed Feta Fillo Cigars are a deliciously savoury, make-ahead Christmas appetizer, perfect for holiday parties.

To prepare this appetizer, you’ll be separating the work into two – the tapenade dip and the cigars themselves.

To make the tapenade, add 1 cup of Krinos Pitted Kalamata olives, ¼ cup of capers, 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp of Krinos Olive Oil and 1 clove of minced garlic to a food processor and blend. Pulse until fairly smooth and refrigerate until party-time. We dare you not to eat the entire mix with a spoon – it’s that good.

The tapenade can be made hours (and even a day) before; the longer it sits, the more the flavours will develop.

To make the Feta Fillo Cigars, you only need a few ingredients: Krinos Fillo Pastry Sheets, of course, minced garlic, Krinos Dried Oregano and Krinos Bulgarian Feta Cheese Multi-Pack. We suggest Bulgarian Feta for its creamy texture.

To start, preheat the oven to 350ºC.

In a small bowl, combine salt, melted butter and minced garlic. Slice both 100gr portions of Bulgarian Feta multi-packs into 0.5 cm sticks – you should get about 16 pieces.

Brush one sheet of fillo with the garlic butter and sprinkle with oregano. Top with a second sheet of fillo and top with garlic butter again. Cut buttered fillo sheets into four squares – half widthwise and lengthwise. Repeat with remaining fillo sheets until you have 16 rectangles. Now you’re ready to roll.

On each fillo square, lay a strip of feta along one of the short edges, fold the in the edges of the fillo on each side of the fillo stick and roll into a cigar shape. (Think: burrito making)

Place each cigar seam side down on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining fillo and feta.

A few minutes before your guests arrive, brush each cigar with remaining garlic butter and bake for 15 minutes or until fillo is golden brown. Meanwhile, scoop out the tapenade from the refrigerator.

Serve fillo cigars warm alongside tapenade dip. They’re crunchy and comforting and the tapenade adds quite the zing.

Want to kick it up a notch? Add a side of warm spicy honey (warm honey with chili flakes) for even more oohs and ahhhs.

And now you can enjoy your party!

Tip: Make the cigars in advance and freeze. Simply defrost before baking.

For the full recipe, visit krinos.ca/recipes/feta-fillo-cigars.