Cretan Dakos

Cretan Dakos is a popular appetizer in Greece. If it reminds you of the Italian Bruschetta is because they are very similar. Without a doubt Dakos is a very healthy choice when it comes to a quick small bite, as its toppings of fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs are medicine for your body and soul. Use this simple recipe for your next gathering of friends and hear them rave about it. Beware though these slices are addicting....

Serves 6 

Ingredients:

1. 6 whole wheat rusks (or sliced toasted whole wheat bread)
2. 12 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp for each toasted slice of bread or rusk)
3. 3 large tomatoes (diced)
4. 8oz of Feta cheese (crumbled)
5. Freshly chopped parsley
6. Kalamata olives (sliced)
7. Small caperberries
8. Dry Greek oregano (optional)

How to make it:

Sprinkle the rusks with some water and using a tablespoon pour extra virgin olive on top of each rusk. 

Add the diced tomatoes and top with the crumbled Feta, Kalamata olives, caperberries and finally freshly chopped parsley. That's it! Ready to serve.

Htipiti (Hot Feta Spread)

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 cups crumbled authentic Greek Feta 

2-3 hot banana peppers (we like our Htipiti hot! but if your "hot" tolerance is not there, 2 peppers will suffice)

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

Grill the banana peppers, cool and remove their skin.

Slice the top and carefully remove any seeds.

Chop the peppers in very small pieces (minced is best as you don't want to end up with chunks of hot peppers in one bite).

Add the crumbled feta and start mixing as you slowly add the olive oil to create a creamy consistency. Depending on the amount and kind of Feta you use more olive oil might be necessary, but remember that when done mixing there will be no visible signs of olive oil in the spread.

When the spread is ready, transfer to a nice small plate and decorate with olives and parsley for a nice presentation. Spread over rusks, crackers or a fresh slice of baguette!

Hint: use of food processor might work best for the preparation of this spread as it will help you achieve a better creamier consistency. This is a thick spread and not easy to mix by hand. Use the olive oil as a medium to achieve the desired texture, but keep in mind that usually Htipiti is pretty thick due to the Feta content.