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April 19th Recipes Start Here
April 19th Podcast
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A Mother’s Love on Every Plate
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When a mother is gone, her recipes often become the most beautiful way we remember her love. In this heartfelt episode, we celebrate the brand-new cookbook My Greek Mom’s Recipes: She Died. I Wrote This Cookbook by comedian and food storyteller Gus Constantellis. Gus shares how cooking his late mother Julia’s village-style Greek dishes helped him heal and honor her memory. Through laughter and tender reflection, he shows us how food nourishes the body, calms the mind, and lifts the spirit long after the cook has left the kitchen.
Each recipe carries the unmistakable taste of a Greek mother’s love — simple ingredients turned into something comforting and full of memory.
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Book – My Greek Mom’s Recipes
Photo Courtesy of Gus Constantellis – Published by Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group.
Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this book offers a comedian’s candid look at grief and family. It will resonate with anyone who’s ever had an overbearing but fiercely loving mother, the kind who expresses affection through food, tough love, and a whole lot of opinions. And the 75 recipes themselves are the real deal—because if there was one thing Julia was known for, besides her razor-sharp humor, it was her unforgettable cooking.
My Greek Mom’s Recipes: She Died. I Wrote This Cookbook (2026), published by Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group.
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other fine bookstores across the country.
Photo Courtesy of Gus Constantellis -Photo Credit – Sheneur Menaker
Gus Constantellis is an internationally touring Greek American comedian and writer and his unique affectionate observations about immigrant families have made him a viral favorite across social media. He discovered stand-up at an NYU talent show and built his career impersonating his Greek mother, earning him a devoted online following and national headlining tour in 2022. He has been featured on Comedy Central and performs regularly in clubs throughout New York City.
Gus also had a successful career writing for children’s television, including The Lion Guard, Princess Power and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Gus draws inspiration for his material and online content from his family, especially his mother, Julia, who became a social media star and “Greek mother” for an entire online community. And when she died suddenly in August 2023, that community mourned with him. My Greek Mom’s Recipes is Gus’s deeply personal tribute, a cookbook in which every dish comes with a story about his mother, an immigrant who never learned English yet managed to achieve the American dream.
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Makaronopita (Macaroni-Cheese Pie)
Macaroni-Cheese Pie is a crowd-pleasing, easy dish to serve.
Photo Courtesy of Gus Constantellis – Photo Credit – Sheneur Menaker
About the Recipe: Makaronopita, also known as Macaroni-Cheese Pie, is a classic Greek comfort food that layers tender bucatini pasta, creamy feta, and rich eggs between flaky phyllo sheets. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s great for family meals or informal gatherings.
Yield: 12 to 16 servings
Author: Gus Constantellis
Excerpted from My Greek Mom’s Recipes: She Died. I Wrote This Cookbook (2026), published by Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group.
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Makaronopita (Macaroni-Cheese Pie)
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Kolokithakia Tiganita (Fried Zucchini Chips)
Fried Zucchini Chips transform simple zucchini rounds into golden, crunchy chips.
Photo Courtesy of Gus Constantellis – Photo Credit – Sheneur Menaker
About the Recipe: Kolokithakia Tiganita, or Greek Fried Zucchini Chips, transform simple zucchini rounds into golden, crunchy bites of deliciousness. Dredged in seasoned flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried until perfectly browned, these crispy chips are best served warm alongside classic Greek dips like tzatziki, spicy feta, eggplant dip, or fish roe dip for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Gus Constantellis
Excerpted from My Greek Mom’s Recipes: She Died. I Wrote This Cookbook (2026), published by Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group.
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Kolokithakia Tiganita (Fried Zucchini Chips)
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Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip)
Spicy Feta Dip is an irresistible Greek appetizer that brings a zesty kick to any table.
Photo Courtesy of Gus Constantellis – Photo Credit – Sheneur Menaker
About the Recipe Tirokafteri, a Spicy Feta Dip, is an irresistible Greek appetizer that brings a zesty kick to any table. This creamy dip is made by blending tangy feta cheese with a fresh chili pepper, fire-roasted red peppers, and a touch of garlic, resulting in a smooth, spicy spread that’s both bold and comforting. Serve it with warm pita, fried zucchini chips, or fresh veggies. It’s Mediterranean magic for any party!
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Author: Gus Constantellis
Excerpted from My Greek Mom’s Recipes: She Died. I Wrote This Cookbook (2026), published by Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Tirokafteri – (Spicy Feta Dip)
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Avgolemono (Chicken Lemon Soup)
A Greek family favorite dish, filled with rich, tangy broth and tender chicken.
Photo Courtesy of Gus Constantellis – Photo Credit – Sheneur Menaker
About the Recipe: Avgolemono (Lemon Chicken Soup) is a classic and comforting dish filled with a rich, tangy broth and tender chicken. Carefully blended with egg and lemon, it gains a silky texture that perfectly complements the delicate flavors of the chicken without overpowering them. Easy to prepare and always a family favorite, it brings the warm taste of Greek tradition right to your table.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Gus Constantellis
Excerpted from My Greek Mom’s Recipes: She Died. I Wrote This Cookbook (2026), published by Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group.
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Avgolemono – (Chicken Lemon Soup)
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