Appetizer Essentials Feta Cream Cheese Honey Dip Food

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.

APPETIZER ESSENTIALS: FETA, CREAM CHEESE HONEY DIP

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 3. THE FETA CREAM CHEESE DIP
• 4. Place all the ingredients into a blender, or small prep bowl, fitted with an S-blade.
• 5. Blend until all the ingredients are incorporated and smooth, then reserve.
• 6. THE BAKED TOMATOES
• 7. Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 400f (205c).
• 8. Slice the grape tomatoes in half, then toss with the olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper.
• 9. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast until softened and beginning to brown, about 30 - 35 minutes.
• 10. THE ASSEMBLY
• 11. Place the feta dip on a plate, and then top with the baked tomatoes.
• 12. Chef's Note: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and honey (optional)
• 13. PLATE/PRESENT
• 14. Serve while the tomatoes are still warm, or at room temperature, with pita chips or crackers. Enjoy.
• 15. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

ROASTED FETA WITH HONEY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Select a small oven-to-table earthenware dish or a small ovenproof sauté pan lined with aluminum foil to help transfer the cheese to a plate after roasting. Place the feta in the dish and cover with the olive oil. Bake until the cheese is soft and springy to the touch but not melted, about 8 minutes.
• Preheat the broiler. Heat the honey in the microwave or over a pan of simmering water until it is fluid enough to be spread with a pastry brush and then paint the surface of the feta with it. Broil until the top of the cheese browns and just starts to bubble. Season to taste with black pepper. Serve immediately with pita wedges and, if desired, sliced heirloom tomatoes, roasted beets, nuts or pickled vegetables.

HONEY AND FETA SPREAD

Steps:

• Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large dinner plate. Drizzle honey over the top. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper. Serve with crackers.

FETA CHEESE APPETIZERS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• In a medium skillet cook onion and garlic in olive oil and sesame oil over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until onion is tender.
• Remove from heat.
• Add cream cheese and feta cheese; stir until mixture is nearly smooth.
• Stir in olives, sweet peppers, and dillweed. Set aside.
• Using a long serrated knife, split pita rounds in half horizontally to form two circles.
• Place, cut side up, on a large ungreased baking sheet.
• Broil 3 inches from heat for 1 minute or until pita rounds are lightly toasted.
• Spread each pita round with about 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture.
• Broil about 1 minute more or until hot.
• To serve, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each round into 6 wedges.

WARM FETA CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, feta cheese, peppers and basil until blended. Transfer to a greased 3-cup baking dish. Bake until bubbly, 25-30 minutes. Serve with baguette slices or chips., Editor's Note: To prepare in a slow cooker, mix ingredients as directed. Pour into a greased 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker; cook, covered, on low until heated through, 2-3 hours.

GREEK GARDEN APPETIZER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, feta, yogurt, garlic, oregano and pepper. Spread into a 9-in. pie plate. Sprinkle the cucumber, tomatoes, onions and olives over the cream cheese mixture. Serve with pita bread. Refrigerate leftovers.