Yassou!
Greetings and welcome to ‘TheGreekHerbivore!’ I am Danielle, and I am thrilled to invite you into my kitchen and share authentic food recipes of my heritage, in addition to modern recipes, serving up inspiration and glimpses into my projects. ‘TheGreekHerbivore’ was cultivated during the pandemic we all know, COVID-19, as a tribute to my late Yaya’s culinary legacy while serving as a creative outlet during my time at university, where I embraced my adventurous spirit.
Raised in an active home, outdoor escapades were the norm. From living at the beach every weekend to camping in the desert, or running from soccer field to soccer field, my mom had my sisters and I constantly challenging ourselves and making new memories. I have flown across arenas on horseback - weaving through polls, scurried under barbed wire before navigating the towering walls of the elite Spartans, and slung rubber balls into a net at the eight-meter hash. My heart, however, found its rhythm in functional bodybuilding, where I constantly find myself with calloused hands and countless bruises on my shins. From here, I learned to optimize health without compromising life’s vibrancy.
I aim to help you cultivate a plant-forward culinary repertoire and plant seeds to embrace a balanced approach to nutrition. Small steps, like adding extra vegetables or whole grains, can lead to a more holistic and abundant life, mitigating the onset of chronic diseases. I want to connect food with experiences, encouraging gratitude and mindfulness without sacrifice. Consuming a diverse array of nutrient-packed foods will leave you energized while positively impacting your health for the short - and long-term.
Here, you can sift through both savory and sweet recipes — and yes you guessed it, every single one is a canvas ready to be tailored to your specific dietary desires if need be. While the spotlight often shines on crafting plant-powered dishes, don’t forget to pursue the recipe notes. There, you’ll uncover the numerous options and clever substitutions that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Who Am I?
As a recent college graduate with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Marketing and dual minors in Nutrition and Psychology, my journey and academic pursuits were guided by my fascination with food and psychology which I discovered at the age of 14. Through college, I sought to deepen my understanding of the dichotomy looking at it with an interdisciplinary lens.
My love of cooking and, particularly, baking has been fostered since I could hold a rubber spatula. From baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that, admittedly, rarely made it to the oven alongside my mom, to baking with my Yaya while standing aside her 5’10 figure on a stepstool with flour in my hair and a pungent aroma of anise and orange wafted through the house as Paximadia baked. Traditional family recipes, from Lamb and Green Bean Stew to Pasticcio, Baklava, and Kourbietes, these delicacies (bias?) have influenced my palate, while always bringing warmth and fond memories as they are bestowed on the table.
As an avid adventurer, I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail, explored downtown gems, and indulged my “foodie” side wherever I go. Volunteering is a passion, aligning with my sorority’s philanthropy that supports children in foster care — the Kindly Hearts initiative.
Animals have always been a part of my household. Growing up riding horses, I learned early on the importance of compassion and empathy. This was also reflected in the rescued pets we had throughout my childhood. My family acquired the role of “the family to call” when people had stray momma cats in their backyards or witnessed a dog roaming with no collar, in which case, we always lent a helping hand to ensure the safety and rehoming of the animal(s). All of course, in addition to the personal pets we had. Currently, I have a rescue, Henry (AKA Mr. Ruggles), who is an Old English Sheepdog in which I just recently learned that the name does not insinuate his working role when originally bred. Further, Lulu a terrier mix, and the dynamic duo and biggest personalities, are my two cats, Charlie and Penny.
The journey in food and psychology, intertwined with nutrition, has ignited a desire to challenge the status quo. I’m an advocate for mindful consumption, recognizing its impact on myself, the world, and the communities around me. In sharing my culinary creations and blog posts, I’m not just measuring flour; I’m mapping my career’s framework and expansion within the food industry to make an impact.
With roots firmly grounded in my Greek Heritage, I’m here to share not just recipes but a cultural narrative. Join me as I blend passion and drive through the journey of flour measurements, inviting you to savor the flavors I grew up with and the ongoing journey of the ‘TheGreekHerbivore.’