Truffles with Raisins

Wine, as a blessed commodity, plays a predominant role in the life of the Athonite monasteries. The founder of the monastic state of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasius the Athonite, decreed that each monastery should have its own vineyards. Thus, since the 10th century, the founders of the monasteries, recognizing the value of wine, have numerous vineyards in their monastic properties. On Mount Athos, there were no large areas for grain, due to the geographical difficulty and the wildness of the place. However, the microclimate of Mount Athos as well as its special vineyards, are key factors for a distinct wine production, unique throughout the Balkan Peninsula and the Northern Aegean. Even today, a number of monks from each monastery are in charge of the cultivation of vineyards and the production of wine.

Cut the sheets two or three times bigger than the cheese and wrap the cheese in them. Fry them in the butter until they get well browned. Get them off the pan, garnish and sprinkle them with honey and cinnamon. It can also be made of kataifi sheets, in the oven. In this case, spread half of the kataifi sheets on a buttered baking pan. Then, spread the cheese on it and cover the whole surface carefully. Push it well and sprinkle it with water and hot butter. When it is browned enough, sprinkle it with diluted honey or syrup. The honey or the syrup should be cold.

We preparing the sauce. Saute the onions, add the tuna melted and the remaining ingredients with a little water. When the sauce thicken remove from the heat and boil the pasta in salted water.