PRONIA invites Greeks from Melbourne’s western region to participate in its new project, a unique collection that highlights the traditional recipes passed on by first generation Greeks.

This new cookbook, titled ‘Almonds in the Olive Grove’ aspires to become a trademark of culinary heritage of the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne.

The ideal candidates would be all Greeks in the community of the western suburbs, aged 65+.

Sonya Tsakalakis, the case worker that leads the project came up with the idea in an effort to preserve the traditions and the ways of Greek Australians for generations to come as the fabric of the community evolves.

Food always brings people together and quintessential Greek dishes can become the carriage to help transmit language, customs and the overall lifestyle of our culture. Through the exchange of staple and intricate and simple recipes, the book’s goal is to transmute the hard and exciting journeys of first generation Greeks and the lessons learned through images and storytelling.

“Each recipe in itself will offer a vignette of a life, as all the recipes will be accompanied by a personal story of their creators.”

Once completed, it will depict a diary of life and recipes of the 1st generation Greeks where cooking and stories unfold along with images of beautiful dishes and history.

In order to participate, the criteria for eligibility are:
– Greek speaking
– Age: 65 +
– Living in the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne (the region comprises the districts of Altona, Essendon, Footscray, Koronoit, Niddrie, St.
Albans, Sunbury, Sydenham, Tarneit, Werribee and Williamstown)
– The recipe should represent a traditional family dish that you are happy to share.

♦ To learn more about how your treasured dish and the story behind it can be included in a cookbook to be loved by many for years to come, contact PRONIA: (03) 9388 9998 or email Sonya Tsakalakis: sonyat@pronia.com.au