by Jane Rodmell for All The Best Fine Foods, a ‘Certified Good Food Fighter’

At All The Best throughout August we continue our Mediterranean journey and celebrate the products and flavours of Greece. Our menu this month features lemony grilled chicken with fresh oregano, tabouleh (the favourite summer salad of bulgar wheat with heaps of fresh parsley and mint), spinach and feta pies and mousaka. Local sweet and juicy tomatoes are just coming into season so the classic Greek Salad has wonderful flavour. All month long you can sample our freshly made dips (Hummus, Roasted Pepper and Feta, Babaganouj, Tzatziki), a great selection of olives and a delicious organic Greek olive oil. This is the perfect food to enjoy in the hot, hazy days of mid-summer.

Feta is the best known cheese imported from Greece. It is traditionally made from a mix of goat and sheep milk, formed in big blocks and then cut or sliced into pieces (‘feta’ means ‘slice’ in Greek).The pieces are placed into large wooden barrels or tin cans and covered with a brine solution of salt and water. It‘s a simple cheese- young, fresh and full of flavour. Enjoy as part of a tapas selection with pickled vegetables, salamis and olives, include in baked dishes and dips and crumble over pizzas, pastas and salads.

Watermelon & Feta Skewers
As a quick and easy summer party snack this combination is hard to beat. The saltiness of the cheese is a perfect foil for a sweet, juicy bite of watermelon. Tangy Balsamic Reduction adds a touch of sharpness.

24 small bamboo skewers
24 cubes watermelon approx 1 inch (2.5 cm)
24 small fresh mint leaves

24 cubes Greek feta cheese, approx ½ inch (1 cm)

Balsamic Reduction, see below

  1. Thread each skewer with a cube of watermelon, a small mint leaf and a cube of feta.
  2. Drizzle watermelon and feta with Balsamic Reduction before serving.

Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup (250 mL) balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp (30 mL) liquid honey. Stir while mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced to desired thin syrup-like consistency. Flavoring may be added to the simmering vinegar- a sprig of rosemary or thyme, a slice of ginger or garlic-depending on how the reduction is to be used.

Drop by the store on August 6 or 7 to taste this delicious combo for yourself.

Do you have a favourite dish that includes feta? Drop me an email at ‘jrodmell AT allthebestfinefoods DOT com‘ . We would love to hear from you.

All the best

Jane