Yesterday was my 35th birthday, and I felt like I was turning 10 all over again. I had a big party with all my favorite foods, favorite people, and favorite presents! It was great. Today I’m generously sharing with you the recipe of one of my all-time favorite foods—Olga’s. Growing up in Michigan, we used to eat out at this great restaurant called, well, Olga’s! Those of you lucky ducks from the north are probably familiar with these tasty gyro-type concoctions.
Below is a knock-off recipe that my mom came up with years ago that is very similar and perhaps even better! It could seriously change your life.
Olga’s
Flat Bread:
1 pkg yeast (or 1T)
1/4 C warm water
1/4 C sugar
1/2 t salt
1C warm milk
4C flour
In Cuisinart or bread mixer, dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Add flour. Turn on mixer and add milk slowly from the tip. Allow to knead for at least 1 1/2-2 minutes. Turn dough into large bowl greased with at least 2T olive oil. Set aside to rise 45-60 minutes. Take egg-sized lump of dough and roll out on oiled counter top. Fry on griddle (or frying pan) until slightly bubbly. Flip and fry on other side. Dough will have little brown spots. This is good! repeat with rest of dough. Makes 8-12 breads. (Make extra for munching. This bread is delicious!)
Meat Loaf:
1 lbground beef, or lamb or combination of both (I stick to ground beef)
1 clove of garlic
1/2 of an onion
1 egg
1tground cumin
1/2 tcurry powder
1/4tcinnamon
1/2 Coatmeal or bread crumbs
1/2t salt
1/4tpepper
2 T ketchup
Put all ingredients in Cuisinart with metal blade. Process till well blended. Spread mixture into and 8×8 square pan and bake at 375•  for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Dill Sauce:
1C plain yogurt or sour cream
1T dill weed (fresh is better dried will work)
1T tarragon vinegar (I’ve used Balsamic in a pinch)
3T sugar (or more to taste)
Alternative: Tziki sauce found at Costco
Assembly: Slice meat into 1/2 in long slices. Arrange in center of flat bread. Top with sliced tomatoes, onion slices, dill sauce! ENJOY!
Here’s a Chocolate Buttercream Triple Sec Cake that my fabulous big sister made for me. (It’s a shame she doesn’t have a blog because she’s incredibly talented.) **Updated to add: She has a blog now :). Find her at Sand and Sisal.**
Below is Kim (said fabulous big sis) cutting my cake while 2 of her 4 children look on with anticipation.
Two of my 3 handsome boys.
My handsome father hugging my little sis. Amazing that he’s still spry, smart, witty, loving, and ALIVE after having hundreds of thousands (millions?) of cancerous tumors in his body. This pic was taken two days after he had 9 brain tumors radiated. He’s a walking miracle and we are all so grateful he was part of the chaos of a family celebration once again!
I adore my family. I adore my food. I pass on this cherished recipe with hopes that it might just become a traditional favorite in your family too! Have your own cherished family recipe? Share it with me!
Below is Kim (said fabulous big sis) cutting my cake while 2 of her 4 children look on with anticipation.
Two of my 3 handsome boys.
My handsome father hugging my little sis. Amazing that he’s still spry, smart, witty, loving, and ALIVE after having hundreds of thousands (millions?) of cancerous tumors in his body. This pic was taken two days after he had 9 brain tumors radiated. He’s a walking miracle and we are all so grateful he was part of the chaos of a family celebration once again!
I adore my family. I adore my food. I pass on this cherished recipe with hopes that it might just become a traditional favorite in your family too! Have your own cherished family recipe? Share it with me!
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Oops, just noticed the date on this! Duh!!! Guess I was too excited to see the recipe, I ignored everything else! So, I guess it’s a VERY belated birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth! I’ll be 10 ahead of you come February! I cannot believe you have this recipe! One of my all-time favorite places to have lunch!! It’s been too many years since I’ve had one, but as soon as I read the word Olga’s my mouth started watering. I lived in Michigan until I was 19 (Royal Oak area)and have spent the rest of my years in Chicago. I happened upon your blog one day and now I have to check in everyday! I’m one of your FB & Pinterest groupies too. Not a crazy stalker, I promise! Awesome blog, beautiful family, Amazing photographs & Incredible ideas! Thanks!
Happy belated birthday!!! Sounds like there is no other place you would've rather been…..
happy belated birthday!!! all that food looks so yummy! glad that you had a great birthday surrounded by your family, especially your dad!
Yummy…it all looked good but I leaned towards that cake for sure!
Thanks for sharing.
Pam
It looks and sounds like a fabulous birthday…that cake was beautiful.
happy late birthday!
thanks for coming by the nest…i think we have a lot in common. houses, good food, decorating, trash to treasure type stuff!!! i enjoy it all. i'll be back soon.
btw, that cake looked devine. did it taste as good as it looked??? slurp.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I hope you enjoyed your day with family and friends. I love gyros. I haven't had one in such a long time.
Jane
Happy belated birthday. It looks like it was quite a celebration!
happy birthday. may the coming year be filled with many blessings.
Happy Birthday to YOU!! – yesterday was my hubby's birthday too!!
How awesome that your Dad was able to be apart of another celebration!!
~TidyMom
Wishing you a Happy Birthday! Glad you were able to enjoy such a special time with your family! I, too, am from MI but have never eaten at Olga's…can ya believe that?! LOL Your cake looked beautiful – tell your sis she did a wonderful job!
Hugs,
Michelle 🙂
Happy Birthday!! That cake does look delicious!!
Happy Birthday, my friend! Looks like you had a fabulous celebration! I would LOVE to have a huge piece of that cake. What a sister, eh? Your dad looks amazing. How fun!
Happy Birthday!!!
Who knew that flatbread was so easy to make. Yummmm. I'll have to try this recipe. 🙂
Happy Birthday! Spending time with family is the best I am glad your dad was able to be part of it! That cake looked yummy and so does the Olga recipe!