Flaming Greek Cheese Food

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.

SAGANAKI: FLAMING CHEESE

Steps:

• Slice the cheese into 1/2" thick triangles or 3-4" squares (depending on the style you buy).
• Place brandy into a zip-lock baggie and add cheese portions, seal and let marinate for 2 hours).
• Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over a med/high heat. Remove cheese portions from marinade, reserving marinade for later use.
• Dredge cheese thru the flour, shaking off excess.
• Fry the cheese slices approx 2 minutes, flip with spatula and fry an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat when nicely seared on each side and gooey.
• Now here is where you need to heed a caution -- Carefully carry the cast iron skillet to the dinner table. Pour 1 ounce of the brandy marinade over the top of the fried cheese, and immediately set ablaze with a lighter. (Be sure to yell "Opa". Immediately squeeze a lemon slice over the top to dowse the flames.
• Serve with warmed pita slices and additional lemon wedges. Enjoy!

SAGANAKI (FLAMING GREEK CHEESE) OOMPA! DANGEROUS AND DELICIOUS!

Steps:

• 1. Heat thin layer of olive oil in frying pan (until tiny bubbles begin to rise)
• 2. Beat egg and milk together. Dip cheese in egg mixture and then into flour.
• 3. Fry until golden brown (appox. 3-5 minutes per side)
• 4. Place on a metal plate. Bring over to your guests who will be wowed. :) Pour the brandy over the cheese and light it as you say Oompa! (Careful, it flames up high!) To put out flame, squeeze lemon over the cheese after the flames settle a bit. Bon Appetit!

SAGANAKI (GREEK FLAMING CHEESE)

Steps:

• 1. Dip the block of cheese in water to moisten.
• 2. lightly cover all side with the flour.
• 3. In a sauté pan drizzle with olive oil, and fry about 2-3 mins on each side on medium heat...till brown and crusty.
• 4. Turn off heat..pull pan aside, pour the brandy around the cheese and carefully set on fire with a match or a long lighter...simply turn off with the squeeze of the lemon. Enjoy your flaming Greek cheese! OPA

FLAMING CHEESE (GREEK SAGANAKI)

Steps:

• 1 Season both sides of cheese with salt and pepper. Place cheese in shallow dish and cover with brandy. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
• 2 Season flour with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• 3 Remove cheese from dish, reserve 1/4 c brandy. Dredge cheese in seasoned flour coating completely.
• 4 In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt butter.
• 5 Pan fry cheese 2 minutes per side. Add reserved brandy and carefully flame the brandy, shaking pan back and forth several times.
• 6 Add lemon juice.
• 7 Remove cheese from pan and serve with pita bread and olives.

SAGANAKI - GREEK FRIED CHEESE

Steps:

• Take the slice of cheese and dip it in cold water, then in white flour, shaking to remove excess and smoothing it with your fingers.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan under medium heat. Once hot, place the cheese in the pan and fry for about 2 minutes than flip carefully (I use a thin rubber spatula). Be careful not to let the crust slide off. Fry on the other side for about 2 minutes. The crust should be golden.
• Remove from pan and place on a plate, squeeze some lemon over it and serve right away.