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Happy YASSSletter Thursday Gingis!

Hello Gorgeous Gingis! A holiday weekend is amongst us and it may be the first time many of us are calling up friends and breaking out the GRILL. I know we are. A weekend of hotdogs, gyros, and arias is HERE!

This week we are diving deep into the world of GRILLED TREATS just in time for Memorial Day weekend!! On the agenda today is:

1. 📜 History + Origin: Memorial Day & Grilling!

2. 🥙 Arais (Grilled Meat Stuffed Pita) Recipe 

3. 🌭 Hot Dog Buns Recipe

4. 🍗 Chicken Gyro Recipe

📜 History + Origin: Memorial Day & Grilling!

Memorial Day in the United States has a deep historical significance. It originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in the late 1860s and was officially proclaimed by General John A. Logan on May 5, 1868. The purpose of Decoration Day was to honor and remember the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers.

Over time, Memorial Day evolved beyond its initial focus on the Civil War and came to honor all Americans who had lost their lives in military service. The date of Memorial Day was officially set as May 30th, but in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the last Monday in May to create a long weekend for federal employees.

The association of grilling and outdoor activities with Memorial Day emerged as part of the American cultural tradition during the 20th century. Memorial Day falls at the end of May when the weather in many parts of the country becomes warmer, making it an ideal time for outdoor gatherings and picnics.

As the holiday coincided with the beginning of summer, families and communities started hosting barbecues, picnics, and outdoor cookouts to enjoy the extended weekend. Grilling became popular during Memorial Day celebrations as it allowed people to enjoy delicious food while spending time with family and friends in the outdoors.

🥙 Arais (Grilled Meat Stuffed Pita)

In today's episode of our grilling series, we are delighted to welcome our special guest, the Arais (or Arayes). This delectable dish originates from the Shami (Levantine) cuisine and holds a prominent place in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. The term 'Arais' is derived from 'arus', which refers to a bride in Arabic. The name finds its roots in Arab countries and specific tribes, where this dish was traditionally served in honor of newlyweds.

To prepare Arais, start by halving a pita bread and generously stuffing it with a meat mixture. Grilling the filled pita allows the meat to release its flavorful juices, which are then readily absorbed by the pita. For my version, I combined 50% beef sirloin and 50% lamb, but you can opt for an all-beef variation if preferred.

Once the Arais is cooked to perfection, it can be cut into quarters, and the real magic begins when you dip each piece into creamy tahini! Trust me, the combination is simply divine. This dish is especially ideal when your homemade pita has slightly aged, as it adds a wonderful dimension to the flavors.

🌭 Hot Dog Buns

Hot dogs hold a special place in my heart as my ultimate fast food favorite!!! Sure, I'm aware that they may not be the healthiest option, but once in a while, indulging in this guilty pleasure is absolutely worth it! And why not take it a step further and elevate the experience by making your very own rolls? It's the perfect thing to make for your BBQ this Memorial Day weekend!

Crafting these rolls is a breeze—quick, easy, and oh-so-soft and buttery. Each roll envelops the hotdog with an embrace of immense love. Here's a tip: aim to make the rolls slightly shorter than the hotdogs themselves. It adds a touch of allure when they playfully peek out from the bun. Oh man, especially perfectly grilled dog!

Now, let's talk about toppings and add-ins, which are entirely up to you. Some Gingis opt for tangy sauerkraut (as seen above in Zikki’s hotdogs), while others favor the crunch of raw onions or the smokiness of grilled peppers. As for me, I find sheer delight in relish, mustard, and ketchup. The vibrant colors and the delightful simplicity of flavors never fail to put a smile on my face.

So, what are your go-to toppings for your HOTDOG? Share your favorites, and let's celebrate the joyous medley of flavors that make hot dogs an irresistible treat!

🍗 Chicken Gyro

Last but not least on our gorgeous grilling menu this week is the Greek Chicken Gyro. This recipe includes steps for the pita bread, chicken, and the Tzatziki!

Gyro Gyro Gyro! One of the best sandwiches I’ve made to date. This treat derived it’s name from the Greek word "γύρος," meaning "circle" or "turn," which can be traced back to the Turkish word "döner," also signifying "turn." The cooking technique of grilling meat and then slicing it as it continues to cook originated in the Ottoman Empire and was first introduced as Döner Kebap.

After World War II, immigrants from the Middle East brought this dish to Athens, Greece. The incorporation of Tzatziki, a delicious yogurt and cucumber sauce, led to the dish being known as Gyros. Gyros can be prepared using pork, chicken, or lamb. In this particular recipe, I have opted for chicken, but feel free to adapt it to your personal preference by substituting the meat type.

As you already know, pita bread holds a special place in my heart, and this variation is no exception. Made with a touch of olive oil in the dough, these pitas are grilled and are not intended to form a pocket. Instead, we treat them more like tacos, stuffing the fillings on top. Ohhh YASSS, it's a delightful twist on the classic and perfect to make with or for your friends this weekend!

Hope you have a weekend full of YASSS! Until next Thursday Gingis.

Love, Ben & Zikki xx

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