It’s taken months of measuring, rolling and baking in the kitchen at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church to prepare for the highly anticipated holiday Greek Bake Sale from the Ladies of Philoptochos, the charitable arm of the church that supports charities around Chattanooga.
“Our customers keep coming year after year to purchase our pastries because it’s difficult finding them in Chattanooga,” bake sale Chair Thea Ballas said. “And they love to serve them for the holidays!”
The bake sale happens 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6, but it’s important to order online in advance at annunciationgreek.org because, historically, popular items such as baklava and spanakopita sell out before the end of the sale.
This year’s menu brings back pastitsio; baklava; spanakopita and tiropita, both sold in appetizer and pocket sizes; almond cakes; twisted butter cookies; and more. A full lineup of pastries can be found online.
But also, a new item from last year — rolls made out of the popular sweet bread — makes a comeback this year. And there’s another favorite from years ago that is back by popular demand: galaktoboureko, a pastry with a custard filling layered between phyllo sheets. Once baked, a lemon- and orange-infused simple syrup is poured over the top. It’s sold frozen and uncooked, so you can take it home and have it ready to bake when you need it. Baking instructions are included.