Everything's Better with Feta!

Feta cheese, that classic briny flavour really can't be beat.  In my world it goes way beyond a Greek Salad;  As a chunk eaten for afternoon snack with some apple or as a burger topper paired with some roasted red peppers, feta cheese adds a spark to almost any dish.  Although feta was traditionally made with goats or sheep milk, modern day production often uses pasteurized cows milk. Everyone has their favourite type and I typically enjoy almost any variety preferring goats or sheep for its characteristic flavour.

While I have no problem eating my veggies, here are two vegetable side dishes that are clearly better with feta - even your kids will love them.

Garlicky Beans with Tomatoes & Feta
4 cups green/yellow beans (3 big handfuls)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup feta, crumbled
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp chives
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Place a large pot of water on stove to boil.
Add 1tsp sea salt once water boils.
Trim beans*and place in the boiling water, cook for 3-5 minutes.
Meanwhile Combine remaining ingrediends in a bowl
Drain beans and then toss with other ingrdients.
Serve warm or place in fridge and serve cold.

*Trim beans by lining the stem ends up and cutting them with a knife.

Kale & Apple Salad
1 bunch kale, wash and dried
1 apple (granny smith, pink lady)
1/2 cup feta cheese crumble
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Juice of 1 lemon
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
Pepper to taste



Tear kale off the fibrous stalk.
Stack kale leaves on top of one another (1/3 of the bunch at a time)
Roll the stack then slice it thinly into ribbons (chiffonade), repeat with remaining leaves and place Kale in large bowl.
Cut the apple into slices and then into matchsticks, place in bowl with Kale.
Combine all other ingredients with Kale and apples and serve on platter!

Artichoke & Spinach Squares

Image via Wikipedia

These squares are off the hook delicious.  Chalked full of artichoke hearts and spinach, this savoury square makes for an excellent grab and go dish - anytime of the day! 

2 cups artichoke hearts*
1 packed cup thawed -frozen spinach**
4 organic eggs
3/4 cups cheddar (I use raw) or asiago.
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place artichokes in food processor and blitz for about 15 seconds
Add spinach and continue to process until the mixture looks well combined - about 20 seconds.
(you may have to scrape down the sides of the food processor)
Add eggs, lemon juice, nutmeg, cayenne and pepper, and process until eggs are incorperated.
Pour mixture into bowl and stir in cheese.
Grease a 9 x 9 pan with butter.
Pour mixture into pan and place in the middle of the oven.
Cooke for approximately 45 minutes.
Let rest 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

*I use marinated artichoke hearts but you can also used plain jarred ones packed in water.  Adding 1/2 tsp of sea salt may be needed.
** Once spinach is thawed, place in a clean tea towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.

Facts about Artichokes
The bitter components of cynarin in artichokes, helps to regulate cholesterol levels.
They are low in calories and a rich source of dietary fibre.
Good source of  folic acid, B vitamims, vitmain C, K and trace minerals.
Rich in the anti-oxidant silymarin - protecting the body from free radicals.

These squares can be served cold or warm.