Honey provides a nice foil for the saltiness of feta cheese.Choose a strongly flavored honey, such as a single varietal or one infused with herbs, because the flavor of the honey will shine through. While you can serve the warm feta and honey smeared onto slices of bread.
SERVES: 4 TO 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons chopped mint
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until toasty brown but not burned, stirring once. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Brush 1 (8-ounce) block of feta cheese with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and place 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 2 tablespoons of honey and broil it for 5 minutes or until it browns, taking care lest it burn.
- Top the feta with the toasted pine nuts, 2 teaspoons chopped mint, and 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, then serve.
