Mediterranean Cheese Spread 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.

MEDITERRANEAN SPREAD

Steps:

• Mix cream cheese, sour cream, feta cheese, garlic powder, and dill weed in a bowl until well blended.
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

MEDITERRANEAN GOAT CHEESE SPREAD (WW)

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH one (1) minute or until water boils. Remove from microwave;' cover with plastic wrap and let stand 10 minutes to soften.
• Meanwhile, place cheese in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on HIGH 15 seconds or until soft. Add sour cream and salt; stir until well blended. Fold in olives.
• Drain tomatoes; finely chop, and fold gently into goat cheese mixture.
• Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

CREAMY MEDITERRANEAN SPREAD

Steps:

• Spread cream cheese onto bottom of pie plate.
• Combine remaining ingredients; spoon over cream cheese.
• Serve with round buttery crackers.

MEDITERRANEAN CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients, cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

MEDITERRANEAN CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Beat cream cheese and feta with mixer until smooth.
• Grind red pepper and olives in food processor until blended. Drain this mixture of as much moisture as possible.
• Mix cheese mixture and olive mixture with a spoon and add capers, basil and garlic.
• Shape cheese mixture into a ball - cover and chill at least 3 hours. This can also be made and frozen for future use -- but be sure to freeze without the pine nuts.
• Roll in toasted nuts just before serving.

SOUTHERN MEDITERRANEAN GOAT CHEESE SPREAD OR DIP

Steps:

• In a medium bowl crumble goat cheese. Meanwhile in a small chilled bowl, whip cream until thickened only and stir into goat cheese.
• Stir in herbs, shallot, lemon peel, and garlic. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper. Thin with additional cream, if desired. Serve on toasted pita wedges, Syrian bread or anything you wish.
• * 1/4 cup in total. Mix the herb amounts to your preference but you might want to make the parsley the main herb with smaller amounts of the remaining 3.

CREAMY MEDITERRANEAN SPREAD

Steps:

• SPREAD cream cheese onto bottom of pie plate.
• COMBINE remaining ingredients; spoon over cream cheese.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
• SERVE with Crackers.
• Make Ahead Red pepper topping can be prepared ahead of time. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator up to 24 hours before spooning over cream cheese as directed.