Kissavos on a Plate: A Culinary Workshop in Agia

I’m Aura Panousopoulou, born in Athens in 1967, but my heart has always belonged to the countryside. In 1993, I made a life-changing decision—to leave the city behind and embrace the beauty of rural life. I became a farmer, built my family in a picturesque village near Lamia, and immersed myself in the wisdom of agricultural traditions and home economics—as if attending the most hands-on university Driven by my passion for authentic Greek flavors, I founded my first artisanal food workshop, Yiam, in 1999, dedicated to crafting high-quality, homemade products. By 2002, we relocated to Agia, Larissa, where our dream continued to grow. With every jar we produce, I strive to capture the essence of Greek tradition while infusing it with a fresh, modern touch. Quality is always at the heart of what we do, ensuring that every bite tells a story of authenticity and passion. At Yiam, we create handmade spoon sweets, rich jams, flavorful sauces, pickled delicacies, and gourmet mezze—all carefully packed in glass jars to preserve their purity and taste. As a small, family-run business, our goal has always been simple yet profound: to honor tradition, maintain the highest quality, and offer pure, honest flavors to those who truly appreciate them. Join us on this journey of taste, where Greek heritage meets culinary artistry! Escape to the charming village of Agia, just 30 km from Larissa, nestled next to Metaxochori at the foothills of majestic Kissavos. We invite you to Yiam’s cooking workshop—a hands-on experience that brings food lovers together for a day of creativity, connection, and indulgence. A Kitchen with a View & a Chef with a Story Step into our bright, welcoming kitchen, where large windows open to a serene walnut orchard. Here, Aura Panousopoulou, a passionate cook—both traditional and inventive—renowned for her Yiam artisanal products, will guide us through an interactive cooking class designed for all skill levels. With three spacious workstations, ten gas stoves, and all the necessary equipment, our workshop is designed to make cooking fun, effortless, and memorable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, you’ll be supported every step of the way. What’s on the Menu? We’ll divide into teams, roll up our sleeves, and create a delicious feast together: Skopelitiki Cheese Pies with Honey – A crispy, golden delight to enjoy fresh from the pan! Coleslaw Salad with Fig Dressing – Crunchy cabbage, carrots, fresh onions, apples, and walnuts dressed in a rich, fruity vinaigrette. (In summer, we’ll use fresh seasonal vegetables!) Handmade Egg Tagliatelle – Knead, roll, and cut your own silky pasta from scratch. Slow-Cooked Beef Ragout – A hearty, aromatic sauce to accompany our homemade tagliatelle. Playful Profiteroles – Get creative with flavors and toppings for a decadent dessert experience. Our carefully curated recipes are designed to be simple yet rewarding, ensuring everyone—no matter their level—can take part and create something delicious. From the Kitchen to a Historic Home After our cooking adventure, we’ll take a short scenic drive to Agia, where you can choose to explore the town or head straight to our one-of-a-kind dining location: THE OLD SILK GALLERY – A beautifully restored stone house, once used for silkworm breeding, transformed into an atmospheric dining space. With exposed wooden ceilings, a cozy fireplace, stunning mosaic floors, and original artwork throughout, it’s the perfect setting to gather around two grand monastery-style tables and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Schedule of the Day Cooking Class – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Dinner & Relaxation – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM This experience is about more than just food—it’s about learning, laughing, sharing stories, and making unforgettable memories. Join us for a unique culinary journey where tradition meets creativity, and every dish tells a story. We can’t wait to cook with you!

Kissavos Mountain Cooking Workshop

• Kissavos Mountain Cooking: Learn to cook traditional Thessalian recipes guided by Aura — incorporating the seasonal ingredients, mountain herbs, and culinary traditions of the Kissavos region
• Rural Life Philosophy: Discover Aura’s inspiring story of leaving city life for the Mount Kissavos countryside and how this choice deepened her understanding of Thessalian food culture
• Full Kissavos Meal: Enjoy the complete meal you’ve prepared in the beautiful Agia landscape at the foot of Mount Kissavos — Thessaly at its most authentic and nourishing