Easy warm appetizer of baked feta topped with blue cheese, honey and dates.
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I have friends who are appetizer rock stars, but I'll be the first to admit I'm challenged in this area. By the time I've planned a first course, the main event, and dessert, the appetizer becomes an afterthought. At the last minute, I'm invariably raiding the refrigerator for some forgotten olives that might be stashed away, and testing boxes of crackers to see if they've gone stale. Each time swearing I won't let this happen again.
It's not that I find appetizers daunting. This is a bandwidth issue. I need something easy that won't steal time from preparations for the rest of the meal. After years, ok maybe even decades, of trying to present multiple impressively complicated dishes to wow friends and family, I'm trying hard to simplify my menus so I can actually spend time with my guests, and still create a memorable meal.
This little appetizer was inspired by one I saw in Amanda Hesser's The Essential New York Time Cookbook a couple of years ago, and is still one of my favorites. Assuming I remember to pick up a block of feta cheese and some Point Reyes Blue, the other ingredients are standard pantry items in my kitchen. It only takes a few minutes to pull together, and hits the notes of rustic elegance I like. I serve it with a variety of crackers and some of those olives I always have hanging around the refrigerator. If you're looking for a last minute appetizer for tonight, or any night, this might fit the bill.
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Honeyed Warm Feta with Dates
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- 1 block feta cheese
- Coarsely ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese I use Pt. Reyes Blue
- 2 tablespoons honey divided (preferably Orange Blossom)
- 5 - 6 dates
- Fresh thyme
- Your favorite crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. A toaster oven works great for this. Line a baking sheet with foil, and place the block of feta on it. Grind a few twists of pepper over the top. Bake for five to seven minutes, or until softened.
- Remove and crumble the blue cheese over the top, and drizzle with one tablespoon of honey. Slide back into the oven for another couple of minutes to melt the blue cheese.
- Remove, sprinkle the dates on top, drizzle with the remaining honey, and sprinkle on the thyme as a finishing touch.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Rodger Helwig
Just another intriguing recipe from my talented friend from across the bridge.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much my friend! A very, very Happy New Year to you. I hope 2013 bring you everything you wish for.
Rosemary
I'm like you when it comes to appetizers. This is one that fits my style! My latest easy app is toasted walnuts, almonds and pecans drenched in honey then drizzled over sliced Toscano cheese (from Trader Joe's) on crackers or thinly sliced toasted bread.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
We're definitely on the same page for appetizers. Sadly I can't eat nuts, but your appetizer sounds fantastic, Rosemary!!
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious
That looks spectacular! Great flavor combo you have going on.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Dorothy! Happy New Year!
Rita
As Rosemary said, this appetizer is my style too. Almost anything with a good cheese make a simple satisfying starter.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Rita! And I totally agree - and warm cheese is just heavenly. Happy New Year!
apuginthekitchen
Couldn't be simpler or more delicious, another wonderful recipe Susan. Happy New Year to you and your family, continued creativity, health and happiness in 2013. (And lots of good food!!!)
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Suzanne! A very Happy New Year to you and your family. I hope 2013 is a fantastic year for you!!
Norma Chang
My kind of appetizer, simple, easy and tasty. Happy New Year!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Norma! Happy New Year to you too!
TasteFood
This will certainly make you a rock star! I like how blue cheese is combined with the feta.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Lynda, but not as much as your Almond Butter Cookies 🙂
mjskit
I definitely want a block of this! Feta can be used in so many ways, but I've never seen it served like this. This is a recipe that I could make as a meal because I would have a hard time sharing it with anyone as an appetizer. 🙂 Love the honey and dates!
Mary @ Fit and Fed
So much prettier and tastier-looking than a plain old block of cheese, and looks easy, thanks!
Hannah
I love all you share! These photos are stunning and so enticing. And you had me at warm feta... Happy new year to you!