Athenian Cheese Appetizer Spread Recipes

CREAMY WHIPPED FETA DIP

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and use a small spoon to create a swirl on the surface of the dip. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
• MAKE AHEAD: This dip can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will stiffen up in the fridge to a spread-like consistency, so be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• To make the toasted pita wedges: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the pita bread on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cut into wedges, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly toasted.
• To make the toasted sesame seeds: In a small pan over medium heat, cook the sesame seeds, stirring frequently, until golden, a few minutes. Watch carefully as they are quick to burn.

ATHENIAN CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook chicken and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Set aside and keep warm., In a small bowl, combine the cheeses, mint, oregano and capers. Distribute half the cheese mixture evenly among 4 bread slices. Layer with chicken and remaining cheese mixture. Top with remaining bread. Brush outsides of sandwiches with remaining oil., Using a large cast-iron skillet or electric griddle over medium heat, toast sandwiches until cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes on each side.

FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)

Steps:

• Brush each side of the kasseri cheese with water. Dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.
• Preheat a well seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until smoking. Pour in olive oil. Carefully place the floured cheese in the hot oil. Cook until cheese begins to ooze and a golden brown crust forms, about 2 minutes. Quickly flip cheese over with a spatula. Fry until bottom is golden brown, about 30 seconds more.
• Remove skillet from heat and transfer onto a napkin-lined plate. Pour brandy over the cheese. Light the brandy using a fireplace lighter. Now you can exclaim "Opa!" and marvel at the fire. Squeeze some lemon juice on top to extinguish the last few flames and garnish with parsley.

GREEK FETA CHEESE SPREAD (HTIPITI)

Steps:

• In food processor, combine cheese, oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, tomatoes and red peppers.
• Blend well to form a nice smooth paste.
• If too thick, thin with a little more oil.
• Serve with pita bread, crackers or crusty bread.

ATHENIAN CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine cream cheese and feta cheese.
• Add garlic and mix.
• Drain and chop the spinach and add to the cheese mix.
• Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap
• Layer half of the cream cheese mixture
• Add the chopped red pepper in the middle to give a layered effect.
• Finish with the rest of the cream cheese mixture.
• Cover with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate at least 6 hours.
• To serve, invert onto plate and cover the top with the chopped almonds.
• Serve with crackers or toasted French bread.

GREEK FETA AND OLIVE SPREAD

Steps:

• In a food processor, place the feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and oregano. Using the pulse setting, blend the mixture until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl. Blend in the olives by hand or with a spoon. Refrigerate until serving.

ATHENIAN CHEESE APPETIZER SPREAD

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• Refrigerate 30 min.