**Take Three Cheeses: Culinary Delights from Lidl Food Academy**
The Lidl Food Academy has unveiled a trio of delightful cheese-based recipes that showcase the versatility of traditional Cypriot ingredients. These dishes not only highlight the rich flavors of cheese but also incorporate fresh vegetables and herbs, making them perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to prepare Grilled Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Peppers, Anari Mousse with Spoon Sweet, and Fried Halloumi with Sesame and Mint.
**Grilled Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Peppers**
This dish combines the tangy flavor of feta with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the freshness of peppers. To prepare this dish, you will need:
- 200g feta cheese (kept whole)
- 500g tomato sauce with basil
- 1 large Florina pepper (cut into strips)
- 10 whole cherry tomatoes
- 20 mixed black and green olives
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp sweet pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. In an ovenproof dish, pour the basil tomato sauce, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3. Place the block of feta in the center of the dish.
4. Arrange the strips of Florina pepper, whole cherry tomatoes, and mixed olives around the feta.
5. Sprinkle the dried oregano, sweet pepper flakes, and black pepper over the top. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is simmering, the peppers are softened, and the feta begins to melt.
7. Serve immediately with warm, crusty village bread for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
**Anari Mousse with Spoon Sweet**
For a sweet treat, the Anari Mousse offers a rich and creamy dessert that pairs beautifully with lemon candied fruit. The ingredients required include:
- 300g fresh unsalted anari cheese
- 125g whipped cream
- 50g honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp flower or rose water
- 3 sheets of phyllo pastry
- 100g melted butter
- 30g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for pastry)
- 60g chopped unsalted walnuts
- 4 spoonfuls of lemon candied fruit (cut into slices)
- 4 tbsp carob honey
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
- 4 tbsp syrup from the spoon dessert
- Microgreens (young basil or mint leaves)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat a fan oven to 180°C.
2. Lay the first sheet of phyllo pastry flat, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Repeat this with the second and third sheets.
3. Trim the pastry to a rectangle measuring 15 by 48cm. Cut vertical strips every 12cm along the longer side and two horizontal strips of 5cm across the width, yielding 12 rectangular pieces.
4. Place the pastry rectangles on a lined baking sheet, cover with another sheet of baking paper, and weigh down with an empty tray to prevent puffing. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crisp, then let cool.
5. In a bowl, mix the anari cheese, honey, cinnamon, and rose water until fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped cream and chill in the fridge.
6. To assemble, position a crispy pastry sheet on a plate, pipe mousse onto it, and add a piece of lemon spoon sweet. Repeat the layering with additional pastry sheets and mousse.
7. Top with candied lemon slices, drizzle with carob honey and syrup, dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, and garnish with fresh basil or mint leaves.
**Fried Halloumi with Sesame and Mint**
This simple yet flavorful dish highlights the unique texture of halloumi cheese. The ingredients needed are:
- 200g sheep or goat halloumi
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Fresh mint leaves
- 2 tsp honey (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Cut the halloumi into 1 to 1.5 cm thick slices and pat them dry with kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, add the halloumi slices and cook undisturbed until the bottom is deep golden brown.
4. Turn each slice to brown the other side. Remove from heat once both sides are crusty and heated through.
5. Transfer the hot halloumi to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds, add fresh mint leaves, and drizzle with honey for a sweet-savory finish.
These recipes, provided by the Lidl Food Academy, not only celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Cyprus but also encourage home cooks to explore the delightful flavors of cheese. Whether served as appetizers or desserts, these dishes are sure to impress family and friends alike.