YIAYIA'S BAKLAVA SCENTED CANDLE
A syrup-soaked concoction of honey, spices, nuts and of course, crisp filo pastry - almost as warm as a hug from Yiayia herself.
The deep [both figuratively and literally] accord is a dedication to Grandmother's alike and a warm nod to generational philoxenia.
Equal parts sweet and spicy which of course, sits in stark contrast to her green and earthy spouse [and candle counterpart].
Top // Caramelised sugar, cinnamon dust
Mid // Nutmeg, clove
Base // Vanilla, honey
350 grams of scented soy candle. 45 hour burn time.
INSPIRATION
"I had been to Greece before [you know, the trip everybody does in their early 20s- island hopping and drinking to the point of dreading the next day's ferry] but I never fully experienced Greece for what it was until 2018.
A mechanical fault meant my ferry made an unexpected stop on the island of Tinos for a night - a quaint Cycladic Island known for its churches.
I sat at this small Kafenio [café] near the port to Facetime back home and complain about my unexpected [and unwanted] lay over. As I finished complaining, I looked up to see the Kafenio's Yiayia walk straight towards me. She looked me dead in the eyes and said - "I should be offended that you sit our family's shop and complain but instead, I will change your mind about our island".
Yiayia [who insisted I call her that by the way - Yiayia], brought plates and plates of food and we shared stories. The best dish was the one at the end - her Baklava. Equal parts spicy and sweet - a bit like her really.
Tinos and Yiayia taught me 'Philoxenia' - a sort of sacred bond between a host and guest. Something there is no direct English translation for that would serve as a fair equivalent.
I now try to be a little more like Yiayia.
✨ 350 grams of scented soy candle. 45 hour burn time.
