Is there a recipe that reminds you of a loved one? A recipe whose aroma or taste evokes a feeling of love? A memory, perhaps? 

Something really special about recipes is their ability to remind you of people that you've loved and lost. Out of all the recipes we've ever recorded or made Elena's Olive Bread Recipe is closest to our hearts because it reminds us of Elena, a woman who illuminated the world around her with joy, enthusiasm, and brilliance.

It was Christmas of 2014 and we were invited to a small village in Cyprus to meet Elena, a woman in the Southern Cyprus, famous for her homemade cooking. Arriving rather scruffy from 5 months of traveling and farm work, Elena didn't even second guess the idea to invite us, two strangers, into her home over the holidays. Our first night together, we prepared dish after delicious dish for one of her famous dinner parties. Sidekicking it with Elena was a blast. We traveled around her small village and the surrounding farmlands, visiting the local grain mill, the local cheesemaker, farms, and bakeries. As we toured the local countryside, we talked about our life journeys, her battle with cancer, her children, our aspirations. Our time with Elena was full of adventure, witty remarks, jestful cursing, and plenty of love. Elena cast a silver shadow in the wake of anyone who came near, reminding them of their own worth and also reminding them not to take life so seriously. Every time, we make Elena's olive bread, we remember her and are reminded of her love and her zest for life.

This is our story and the story of many people who met Elena. She picked you up even when she was fighting for her life. Our friend Elena lost her battle to cancer in the winter of 2016. She was a real fighter, a loving mom, a joyous wife, and a real light in our life. We hope that Elena lives on in this recipe. I think she would be very happy to know you've tried it!

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