Enjoying Tsiknopempti… in all its glory

In Cyprus, we will use any excuse to huddle up with friends over a barbeque and cook up some juicy meat. This is why, Tsiknopempti has become somewhat of a National Holiday. Even though we still go to the office, we still have work and school the next day, on this particular Thursday, our minds are on the grill and, from the moment we wake up.

Of course, what happens in reality is that we all tend to do things a little too quickly on this day. Our excitement to load up the coals or get the temperature just right so we can start searing and grilling and eating, takes over leaving many of us already full and ready for a nap, before the actual event!

This year we suggest you look at Tsiknopempti as an opportunity to ‘picnic’ rather than ‘grill’. Don’t worry, there will be grilling happening, but if you change perspective a little, perhaps you won’t feel the need to hurry and ‘taste test’ everything before it hits the table.

The first thing you will need is a quality hot pot to keep the food you have prepared warm, while you prepare even more! As our stainless steel hot pots are so affordable, we would suggest you treat yourself to 2 or 3 in various sizes, so you can keep your chicken, pork, beef, etc., separate.

When the meats are finished, it is time to cook up the tasty nibbles that don’t need much time like sausages, halloumi, some grilled vegetables and pitta bread. This is when you get your  serving platters out. These are perfect for foods that will be going from the grill directly to the table.  If you are worried about all your hard work going stone cold or being eaten before you finally grab a seat yourself, use aluminium trays which you can fold over or ones with lids that keep temperature in and hands out, until it is time to eat!

If you have done it right and followed our picnic-style advice, when the time has finally come to sit at the table, you will have worked up quite an appetite and the last thing you want to worry about is tableware. As your food will do all the impressing, there is no need to use fancy dishware. Keep those in the cabinet and invest in some everyday dinner plates, that you will not need to “look after”, especially with all those kids running around. 

If you want to take your practical serving skills to a whole new level, try using disposable unbleached Kraft paper plates and eco cups as well as wooden cutlery, including impressively sharp knives).

The best part of any barbeque or family feast, are the leftovers. Make sure you can enjoy the fruits of your labour even after the big meal, by storing any remaining meats in reliable food containers that can be put in the microwave or freezer for future consumption. And if there are enough leftovers left, don’t forget to opt for some additional cheap containers with lids, to give your guests!

 Happy Tsiknopempti to all!