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If you're a regular friend and visitor here at The Café, you probably know that I'm quite crazy about all things food-related. And it's funny; although most home chefs enjoy either cooking or baking, I'm totally smitten with both of these culinary arts. If I'm in the kitchen, I'm usually quite happy, as it's been my sweet (and savory) spot for as long as I can remember.
Because I love to cook and have a food blog, you might get the impression that I have it all together when it comes to entertaining. I hope you won't be disappointed to learn that I'm not "all that". I sometimes struggle when guests are coming and, at times, feel like I'm trying to juggle ten balls at the same time. Eight of them keep dropping and rolling here, there and everywhere. Do you ever feel that way?
Yup, when it comes to entertaining, I'm not, by nature, one of those hostesses with all their ducks in a row. You know-those type-A friends who have everything in place and perfectly timed down to the last teensy detail? They sit, waiting patiently for the doorbell, table beautifully adorned, peaceful classical music floating through the house, not a hair out of place and fabulous aromas wafting from the shiny clean, completely uncluttered kitchen.
Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy gathering family and friends in my home, and serving a great meal is a crucial part of my love language. It's just that I always think I have a bit more time than reality dictates. Panic generally ensues about an hour before the guests are scheduled to arrive, and there I am, proverbially trying to stuff ten pounds into a five-pound sack, as I scramble around, desperately tying up the loose ends.
I've found a few tricks that have helped me with this habitual dilemma over the years. Probably the best one is preparing parts of the meal in advance. It gives me great peace of mind to know that one or two of the courses can simply be pulled from the refrigerator and either warmed up or brought to room temperature. This delightful Herb Marinated Feta appetizer is a perfect example. It can be prepared in advance, and actually gets more flavorful as the ingredients have time to meld and mingle.
It's a Mediterranean-inspired crowd pleaser with lots of fresh herbs, finely diced bell peppers and red onions, garlic, lemon zest and kalamata olives, all married together with a generous splash of olive oil. Serve this lovely appetizer with crisp crostini or warm artisan bread. I can't promise that it will transform you into the hostess/host with the mostest, but, it's sure to bring rave reviews from family and friends. And, if you're anything like me, you'll be thrilled to pull out this beautiful appetizer, while you race to get the rest of those crazy ducks lined up!
This recipe can also be seen over at PARADE Magazine.
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Fresh Herb-Marinated Feta
Ingredients
- Fresh Herb Marinated Feta:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 teaspoon finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon fine lemon zest
- 2 medium kalamata olives, finely chopped
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 4-oz can Feta cheese - be sure to get the block, not the crumbled
Instructions
- Fresh Herb Marinated Feta:
- In a medium size microwave-safe bowl, heat olive oil on high for 1 minute. Add garlic and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add all other ingredients except the Feta.
- Place Feta in a medium size ziplock bag and add oil/herb mixture. Place bag in a clean bowl in refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours in advance. Turn bag every now and then to keep all sides of Feta covered with oil/herb mixture.
- Bring to room temperature by removing bag from refrigerator about an hour before serving. To serve, remove Feta block from bag and place on a small serving tray. Drizzle herb mixture over the top. Serve with crostini, crackers or a loaf of warm, crusty bread. Bon Appetit!
- Serves 6-8 as an appetizer.
Notes
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I adore all of your recipes. I can't thank you enough for sharing them with all of us!! I have tried many of them and they are all just fabulous!
Thanks so much Michele!
Thanks so much Michele! I really appreciate your kind and encouraging words and it makes me happy that you’ve had success with our recipes. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
I prepared this dish as a gift. I placed the marinade and cheese (in a sandwich-sized zip-lock baggie) in a nice serving dish and tucked the zipper portion underneath. I tied a natural twine around the dish and placed it in a basket with a box of assorted crackers and a card with added decor. My husband asked that I make a batch for us. and boy am I glad he did! It was superb! So much so, that I skipped dinner, scooted the appetizer my way and continued to enjoy it with my glass of wine. This recipe goes in the permanent file. Thank you for sharing!
I need a recipe such as this to give as a gift. How long will it keep?
Hi Rebecca, I usually make this the day I'm serving it but I do know it makes great leftovers the following day.
I've not been eating cheese for the last few months, but this one is a game changer. LOVE!!!!
Chris, I often serve marinated feta as well - the kids love it and so do we. I agree with you, it is a perfect dish for entertaining, So nice to serve a delicious appetizer that can be prepared well in advance and looks so pretty too! Great recipe!
Your newly designed site looks marvelous - very elegant and easy to read at the same time!
Wow! This feta's calling my name! It looks amazing! The sites operating wonderfully too!
I can and do bake, but it's really not my thing (cooking is). So it's a good thing that Mrs K R is nuts about baking! We make a great team that way. Lovely feta recipe -- I'll definitely be trying this. Thanks.
Love the new look Chris! Congratulations. And I love marinated cheese - this looks amazing. The colors are outstanding!
As a greek I am a huge feta fan!Looks amazing,Chris!
the most beautiful looking feta cheese i have ever seen!
I am totally the same as you, I love both! I can't decide! This looks great, let's talk about all these fresh colors too!
My girls are huge feta fans and I know they will love this as much as I will.
This is a very pretty appetizer, Chris! -- an aromatic, full of flavor as well. Pinned!
Perfect dish to entertain guest with (who can say no to cheese?). Will have to try this for next time!
Coordinately Yours,
Julie
Thanks for stopping by The Cafe Julie!
Simply beautiful...and no doubt delicious!
Chris your new site looks fabulous! It's so nice to be able to view everything so clearly and of course your hubby's photos help to make it so appealing. What a great way to dress up feta and so simple! Nice recipe 7 photo!
Thanks Vicki! We love the site (thanks Shay Bocks!) it's fast and friendly for all types of viewers, including mobile devices. We're still learning the behind the scene tricks of operating a WordPress website, but so far, it's amazing.
That scenario sounds a bit like me. Those ducks just don't always line up willingly! 🙂
This appetizer looks like you sprinkled confetti over it. So pretty and fresh! Sounds delicious too!
Amen Martha! Sometimes those ducks are like billy goats! Thanks for stopping by.
What a lovely and good looking idea, Chris!
I love your blog's new dress! This marinated feta would make me happy all day long!
You are not alone with the whole entertaining guests dilema, I get that way too. We are only human LOL. I love any cheese with a marinade, delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful recipe! I love flavored cheese and your marinate over the top looks just amazing! I am going to check out your recipe! 🙂
Very, very pretty! I love the great colors:@)
I love marinated feta, what a beautiful and delicious entertaining idea. Your new site design is so lovely too!
Love your new site! A marinade for cheese, so cleaver!
You bet I love ez and quick yummies...and this is great...never thought about doing feta this way....thank you for the on-going fabulous inspiration!! xo
Chris, I do the same thing. For all that I am all about food, all the time I draw a complete blank on what to have, what to fix that everyone will like. I seem to have a diverse group of friends with very diverse tastes. It has been so helpful to pin your recipes - I don't stress quiet as much as I used to.
And as always, the photos make it all look scrumptious.
I love doing this.. with feta and goat cheese..I am going to check your recipe now but wanted to tell you we think it's a lovely app too.
And so photogenic!
Of course all your food is photogenic:)
Not all of it Monique,, definitely not all of it. Sometimes when we are doing a photo shoot, I just look at Scott and say no, no, no, this is not going to work - sometimes it tastes good but doesn't look so great, sometimes it's a problem with both!
I was just reading about marinating feta in the current Sunset. I have never tried this but will for a stress-free app the next time we have people over. Checking out your article in Parade.
Oh how I love feta but Chris you've taken it to a whole new level! I'm the same entertaining. Somehow I always manage to complicate things and stress myself.
Chris, this looks beyond delicious! Can't wait to try the herbal marinade.
Chris the new site is STUNNING!! LOVE it! Soooo pretty! Also love feta so I know I will LOVE this recipe! YUM!
Thanks Sophia! It is really good and very addictive too!