spanakopitas

This flaky pie is from the birthplace of pastry.

Greek in origin, spanakopitas is a spinach and feta cheese pie.

Made with oiled layers of filo pastry, it has a flaky quality only a decent puff pastry can approach.

The cheese does not have to be feta; curd cheese is a good substitute but feta gives it an authentic, salty, slightly acidic taste.

The spinach and cheese filling is flavoured with cumin, nutmeg and spring onion.

Best eaten at room temperature with a Greek salad, this Mediterranean delight is a superb antidote to the winter shadows.