Discover the Flavors of Greece with Hellenic Kanella — A Must-Read Greek Cookbook by Ruth Bardis
So, I finally got around to reviewing Hellenic Kanella, a Greek cookbook crafted by none other than Ruth Bardis — the woman on the cover, by the way (spoiler alert: she’s got one of the most beautiful faces in Greek culture, and I’m still wondering why she didn’t put her pic on the cover!). I’ll let you in on a little secret about Ruth shortly, but first, let me take you back to how I met her.
It was at Brisbane’s Paniyiri Greek Festival in May — a vibrant celebration of all things Greek. Ruth Bardis had a stall right next to the Greek Club, and a sign caught my eye: “Meet the Author.” Naturally, I couldn’t resist. You can read all about that encounter in my post about the event. I had been thinking of picking up one of her cookbooks and doing a full review someday — and since the “Let’s Go Greek Festival” in Parramatta is happening next week, I figured now’s the perfect time to share my thoughts.
Meet Ruth Bardis: Australia’s Own Greek Cookbook Author Celebrating Hellenic Food
Here’s a funny thing — Ruth Bardis doesn’t appear on the front of her own book, Hellenic Kanella. Yep, no face on the cover. That’s a missed opportunity, especially considering she’s in the top 20% of Greek beauties. Honestly, for a cookbook that celebrates Greek culture and food, I would have loved to see her radiant face somewhere on the cover. That’s a small ding on my rating, so you can see how ruthless things are about to get in this Hellenic Kanella review.
One of her photos inside the book is fantastic — so much so that it deserved to be on the front cover. But hey, her other two books also don’t feature her face on the covers, so maybe that’s just her signature style.
What’s Inside Hellenic Kanella
This book isn’t just about Greek food recipes — it’s a journey into Greek ingredients, flavors, and family stories. You’ll learn about key Greek staples, see mouth-watering photos, and get a glimpse into Ruth’s personal connection to her heritage. It’s a fascinating read that combines culinary tips with cultural insights. And how funny is this? Her family imported drinking water from Greece to Australia. That’s crazy!
Hellenic Kanella Review: A Few Critiques — Because Nobody’s Perfect
Font Size: Some of the text at the top was waaay too small. Come on, Ruth, making things easier for readers with less-than-perfect eyesight isn’t a bad thing! I use an A4 magnifying sheet just to read comfortably, so bigger fonts would’ve been appreciated.
Recipe Photos: A handful of recipes didn’t have accompanying images. That’s a shame — visuals really help bring dishes to life and inspire home cooks.
White Space & Layout: Why leave blank spaces? Fill ‘em with extra tips, photos, or larger fonts. It makes the book look more polished and engaging.
Religious Themes: Ruth is a devout Greek, and her faith influences some of her writing — which is fine. However, I think references to Greek gods and goddesses would’ve added greater wisdom and more fun. Honestly, Greek mythology surpasses religious themes hands down — though, of course, that’s just my bias. Anyway, check out my Funny Religion comic to see what I mean.
Recipe Servings: Many recipes serve 6-8 people. However, these days, most families or cooks prefer smaller portions — around 4 people at most — which would make the book much more practical for everyday use.
Hellenic Kanella: The Positives
Despite these minor flaws, Hellenic Kanella shines with stunning photography, heartfelt storytelling, and authentic Greek flavors. Ruth’s experience and passion really come through, making it a compelling read for anyone into Greek cuisine.
More Cookbooks by Ruth Bardis
Ruth’s also got two other cookbooks:
Beyond the Greek Salad, focusing on regional Greek dishes from around Greece
Simply More Greek, highlighting foods from the garden, sea, and bakery
And here’s a fun mystery — why hasn’t Ruth Bardis appeared on TV’s MasterChef Australia? Did she try out and get rejected, or is she just shy? Either way, she’s a star in my book.
Final Verdict: Should You Get Hellenic Kanella?
Absolutely. I’m giving Hellenic Kanella a commendable 8 out of 10. It’s a treasure trove of Greek culinary delights, cultural insights, and stunning photos. If you’re passionate about Greek cooking or want to explore Greek culture through food, this cookbook is a must-have.
And trust me, Ruth Bardis’s talent doesn’t stop here — her next books seem even better, and they’ve won some prestigious foodie awards. So, if you love Greek food, Hellenic Kanella is just the beginning. Grab a copy, immerse yourself in Ruth’s and Greece’s rich flavors, and enjoy the journey!
You can find out more about Ruth Bardis and her cookbooks on her official webite: Ruth Bardis. Additionally, you can purchase a copy of Hellenic Kanella on Amazon: Hellenic Kanella: Memories Made In a Greek Kitchen.
On a final note: I’ve been itching to cook something from the Hellenic Kanella cookbook, but life’s gotten in the way — yet that’s definitely happening in the future! When I do, I’ll be sure to update this review with a picture of the delicious dish I create. Stay tuned — exciting things are on the plate!
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