Keeping in line with our journey into the world of decadent delights; takes us to Mountainhome Diner. We admit, it’s not merely what’s on the menu filled with a lovely mix of Greek and Traditional delicacies that draws our attention; it’s the people behind this Mountainhome site that’s secured their spot as one of the top Pocono Mountains’ eateries.
A warm inviting atmosphere filled with fine food and friendly faces—quality that seems to come naturally to MD owners of six years, Voula and Jim (Jimmy) Katsigiannis. Calling the diner “our second home” with patrons that are “like family;” Voula tells of the pair’s commitment to community.
“We love these people and these people love us,” she says sharing a plaque received in gratitude for their support of the Barrett Township Police Department alongside a “Pocono Proud” Community Service Award received in November from the governor’s office.
As the Frein manhunt directed the nation’s attention to the area; it’s businesses like MD that captured their hearts. Preparing food for the countless emergency responders enveloping the region in search of the accused gunman; they donated a warm meal and smile asking nothing in return.
Calling the effort “a big commitment” Barrett Township Police Chief Steven Williams described it as “their way of reaching out” that was there before the incident and lives on.
MD waitress of three years, Christy Smith, considers the Katsigiannis’ generosity, “One of the great things about a small town diner,” adding, “We’re part of the community.” The question of her favorite dish, is met with a response asking, “Just one?!” Laughter and a list including Greek Chicken Panini soon follow.
“A good breakfast at a fair price,” is what a retired coupled close-by regards as reason enough to take the weekly drive up from Scotrun. Calling MD a “local favorite;” then adding “a friendly atmosphere” to what they consider the diner’s recipe for success.
Turning talk toward true ingredients for a tasty treat; Voula shares a recipe for the Katsigiannis Family Baklava; though readers will have to visit Mountainhome to feast upon her other freshly prepared platters of pastries…
Katsigiannis Family Baklava
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1 lb chopped nuts
- 1 cup butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks, few cloves*
Directions
Preheat oven to 350˚ F Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9×13 inch pan.
Chop nuts and toss cinnamon and sugar-set aside. Unroll phyllo dough then cut whole stack in half to fit pan. Cover with a dampened cloth to keep from drying as you continue preparations. Place two sheets of dough in pan and butter thoroughly. Repeat until you have eight sheets layered. Sprinkle on two to three tablespoons of nuts. Top with two sheets of dough, butter and nuts-layering each. Your top layer should be six to eight sheets deep. Using a sharp knife, cut out diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan. Bake approximately 50 minutes until golden and crisp.
Prepare syrup topping while baklava is baking…Boil sugar and water until granules are melted. Add vanilla, honey, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Simmer about 20 minutes.
Remove baklava from oven and immediately spoon syrup over it. Let cool. Serve in cupcake papers and enjoy!
Mountainhome Diner
Right at home in Mountainhome on Route 390
Visit mountainhomediner.com or call (570) 595-2523
