Growing up in Crete, I learned to love well-cooked food - the life of Cretans always includes food in all important events of their lives. So, I had - and still have - the luck to always taste and use fresh and homemade ingredients; to try the first fresh olive oil of the year spread on warm bread from my grandmother's wood-fired oven along with delicious homemade cheese.

Next to my grandmother, I learned about all the herbs from the garden and the countryside - I learned to distinguish this unique wealth of Crete - and to use them in cooking. Simple ingredients, and a few each time, create a wonderful recipe in a magical way. When I was little, I watched my grandmother open a dough and I was simply amazed by what she could do with flour and a little water.

So, I thought of writing this book, to be able to explain to you how easy it is to learn the technique of dough and to revive in your everyday life the pies that our grandmothers used to make in the past. Therefore, I present to you a lighter version of the pie, adapted to our new customs and intense way of life.

Marike Mitsotaki cooks and remembers: her mother's kitchen, which was an excellent cook, the upheaval that came for her health when, as a child, she was affected by the polio virus, the acquaintance with Konstantinos Mitsotakis, love, marriage, the arrival of children, the difficult years of dictatorship, exile, return and homemade in Crete. 

Memories and moments from a tumultuous and at the same time fascinating life, directly connected to the recent history of our country. And together, in this special book, the traditional recipes of "Mrs. Marika", which always constituted an irresistible, tasty reason for the family to remain united around the table.