Feta's Never Looked (or Tasted) So Fabulous

By Nicole Perry

Updated on 12/31/2015 at 10:00 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Bold ingredients including salty feta (I'm partial to Valbreso), floral honey, mint, and orange zest play together in perfect harmony in this stunning nibble. As I smeared bite after bite of it onto crisp crackers, I kept thinking of how I'd fit it into more meals to come: an indulgent solo dinner (just add leafy green salad)? Check! As part of a Mediterranean party spread? Check! As the crowning end to a wine-fueled dinner party? Check! In essence, it's a hybrid dessert/cheese plate/sweet-leaning appetizer, it's equally at home at the start of a meal as it is at the end, and it's pretty darn perfect. I suggest you get acquainted with this combination as soon as possible.

Warm Honey-Drizzled Feta With Pine Nuts, Orange Zest, and Mint

Yield4-6 servings

Adapted from The Nourished Kitchen by Jennifer McGruther

INGREDIENTS

    • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
    • 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 teaspoons chopped mint
    • 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
    • Crackers for serving, optional

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange an oven rack so it sits just below the broiler.

    2. Brush the block of feta with the olive oil and set it in an attractive baking dish. Bake the cheese for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it softens to the touch. Remove it from the oven, and preheat the broiler. Drizzle the feta with the honey, and broil it for 2-4 minutes, or until browned, taking care lest it burn. Top the feta with the pine nuts, sprinkle it with the mint and orange zest, and serve.