Sweet Baklava
Page 27
Debby: A delightful Greek community on the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs has its own flavor and personality that attracts thousands of visitors every month. Walk along the Sponge Docks on Dodecanese Boulevard, and you'll not only smell the aroma of savory food wafting from the kitchens of authentic Greek restaurants, you'll hear the strains of Greek music and shouts of "Opa!" as waiters place delectable dishes in front of guests. Many of the merchants and residents in Tarpon Springs are first- and second-generation immigrants who have customs they've brought to their new home.
Q: How do you hope that readers will connect with the characters of this novel?
Debby: Members of this Greek community are fiercely loyal to those in their immediate families as well as people they've "adopted." I want my readers to get a sense of this through the Papadopoulos family in the story. Nick's parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins won't allow Alabama-born Paula to feel like an outsider. They include her in family activities to give her the sense of belonging that she needs. Of course, they have an ulterior motive of matchmaking, and they do their share of meddling to help Paula and Nick see the love they'll miss if they don't come to their senses.
Q: How were you able to lend authenticity to this story through its setting?
Debby: I show some of the Tarpon Springs culture with a blend of some real places and others I created for the story. The fictional family restaurant and bakery are typical of what visitors will see when they visit the real Sponge Docks on Dodecanese Boulevard, which runs along the Anclote River. The Sponge Docks host all kinds of shops offering souvenirs, Greek apparel, sponges, soaps, candles, and of course delicious Greek food—including baklava (of course!). Visitors can even take a boat ride and a tour of a sponge museum to learn how divers harvest the sponges.
Q: Just how important a part does "baklava" itself play?
Debby: As the creator of this story, I took the liberty of giving Paula a weakness for baklava, which becomes the bait for the Papadopoulos women to bring Nick and Paula together every chance they get. There are as many recipes for baklava as there are Greek families. Baklava takes time to make, but it is absolutely delicious, sweet, and worth the time and effort—just like the nurturing of a loving family.
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