Whipped Feta [recipe]

HOW TO USE WHIPPED FETA

• serve Whipped Feta in a bowl as a dip for vegetable crudités (like this post!)
• add Whipped Feta as part of mezze along with hummus and tzatziki
• slather Whipped Feta on toast and top with anything, olives are my favorite
• spread Whipped Feta as the cheese base on grilled flatbread or pita and add any toppings
• drizzle Whipped Feta over vegetables like these Crispy Smashed Potatoes, these roasted butternut squash, and these whipped sweet potatoes
• toss Whipped Feta with hot pasta and wilted bitter greens

NOTES and SHOPPING RESOURCES for Whipped Feta

• FETA. This kitchen goes through feta like it goes through avocados, so I get the largest whole block I can find at the grocery store, looking for organic sheep's milk. Whole Foods's in-house brand 365 has a 16-ounce block of feta in brine in a sealed white plastic container, which makes it easier to have delivered. It is not organic, and does not specify sheep's milk, but it works when I can't find anything else.
• YOGURT. Depending on the brand, the "type" (regular, Greek, icelandic) and the fat percentage of your yogurt, your final product might be thinner or thicker than you prefer. Always err on the side of thicker because it's easier to thin out with water or oil later. Use a full fat yogurt (for better flavor) and strain it as much as you can in a sieve lined with three or four layers of cheesecloth, or a paper coffee filter.
• KOSHER SALT. I use Diamond Crystal brand, which is in the burgundy red box.
• OLIVE OIL. The olive oil here is more for consistency and texture, not for flavor, so use an everyday olive oil like California Olive Ranch.

TOOLS and EQUIPMENT You Need to Make Whipped Feta

• SIEVE. I have a set of three different sizes, and use the medium one to drain yogurt. (The larger one is great for sifting flours and straining stock).
• FOOD PROCESSOR. I have been using my small 4-cup Cuisinart FOR YEARS. I will only "upgrade" when this one falls apart because it still works like a dream, but most importantly, it's easy to clean and PUT AWAY. This 4-cup capacity is the right size for small jobs like dips and spreads.