Traditions reflect Greece's rich cultural tapestry and remind us of the history and culture of a hotel rooted in family. These values of connection, hospitality, and shared joy are at the heart of everything we do, even when our doors are closed for the winter.

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Kourabiedes: A Cookie with a Story

Kourabiedes carry stories and tradition from one generation to the next. Their history stretches back centuries, with influences from Middle Eastern confections, and they’ve found their home in Greek kitchens where family recipes are guarded like treasure.

Traditionally made with simple, quality ingredients including flour, butter, sugar, and almonds. Kourabiedes are shaped into crescents or rounds and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. They are often infused with a splash of ouzo, brandy, or rose water, a subtle nod to the celebratory spirit of Greek gatherings.

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A Family Affair

Making Kourabiedes is a family affair. Grandmothers guide younger generations, teaching them to knead the dough just right. Children delight in rolling the cookies in sugar, their hands dusted white like winter snow. The process is as important as the cookies themselves. It’s about togetherness—the unhurried time spent in each other’s company, creating something beautiful and delicious to share.

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Our Own Connection to Tradition

The spirit of familial connection is at the heart of Cali. As a family-run resort, we believe in the beauty of shared experiences. While our villas and serene surroundings welcome guests from across the world, it is our sense of hospitality—rooted in love, warmth, and tradition—that truly defines us.

Even as we rest during the winter months, these values remain central to everything we do, preparing for the upcoming season. The memories of families baking Kourabiedes, much like our own childhoods, remind us of the importance of heritage, community, and togetherness.

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A Taste of Greece at Home

Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create your own moments of joy and connection.

Here’s a recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

For the cookies

• 100g powdered sugar
• 500g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 60g cognac
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 150g roasted and coarsely chopped almonds
• 850g all-purpose flour, sifted

For dusting

• 1kg powdered sugar

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Preparation:

1. Prep the Almonds and Flour

• Roast almonds on a baking tray at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool, then chop coarsely.
• Sift the flour and set aside.

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2. Make the Dough

• Beat softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixer on low for 1 minute, then increase speed to high. Whip for 8-10 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
• Add egg yolks one at a time, followed by the whole egg, mixing well after each addition.
• Lower mixer speed and add nutmeg, vanilla, and 2 tbsp of flour.
• Dissolve baking soda in cognac and pour into the mixture.
• Switch to the paddle attachment and mix on low, adding the almonds and flour alternately until a soft, pliable dough forms. The dough should feel buttery and smooth, like soft modeling clay.

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‍3. Shape and Bake

• Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
• Take 30g portions of dough and shape into crescents or rounds. Arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between cookies.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until they crack slightly and turn golden. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the tray.

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4. Dusting with Sugar

• Sift powdered sugar in a bowl. Spread a generous layer of sugar on a tray.
• Place warm (not hot) cookies on the sugar layer and coat them generously with more sugar.
• Once cooled completely, layer the cookies on a platter, sifting extra powdered sugar over each layer.

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Celebrating the Spirit of Togetherness

As you bake and share Kourabiedes with your loved ones, we invite you to embrace the spirit of family, tradition, and togetherness that makes Greek culture so special.

From our family to yours, we wish you a season filled with warmth, joy, and sweet memories.

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