Irene Matys brings the heart of her homeland into our kitchen with her beautiful, bountiful new cookbook My Cypriot Table; Mediterranean Recipes for Gathering, Sharing and Savoring. Says the author in the Introduction: “Welcome to My Cypriot Table, where the flavours of Cyprus meet the Canadian landscape.”
Cyprus roots
Matys was born in the city of Famagusta on the island of Cyprus and immigrated to Canada in 1976 as a refugee. Matys shares her candid and heartfelt story in her new book, taking readers along on a captivating journey with stories of escape, survival, family, and finding a passion and connection for growing your own food.
Today Irene Matys is a farm-to-table advocate who specializes in recipe development, food styling and food photography and now add cookbook author to her credits. Matys shares her passion for the Mediterranean foods of her homeland with a unique Canadian twist.
Unique takes on the classics
The recipes in her book are tried-and-true and approachable. You will find recipes for traditional dishes like Koubepia (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Eliopita (Cypriot Olive Bread), Lamb Kleftiko (Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb) and Spanakorizo (Spinach Rice). Matys ramps it up with her “Unique Takes on the Classics” such as Cedar Plank Za’atar Salmon with Tahini Yogurt Dip and Baklava Butter Tarts. And with summer finally here and Farmers’ Markets open, readers can take advantage of nature’s bounty with recipes like Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Vinaigrette and Walnut Gremolata and Strawberry, Spinach, Arugula and Feta Salad with Tahini Poppyseed Dressing.
Chapters include Meze (Small Dishes); Breads and Pitas; Soups, Salads, Sandwiches and Sides; Fish and Seafood; Meat; Vegetarian, Desserts and Sweets and Drinks.
Irene Matys magically weaves her stories, photos and recipes into this gorgeous hardcover cookbook that will intrigue and inspire you from cover to cover.
Excerpted from My Cypriot Table by Irene Matys. Copyright © 2025 Irene Matys. Photographs by Irene Matys. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.
by Laurie Wallace-Lynch
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