Yes, it’s that wonderful time of year for happy holidays in the Cyprus sun, family picnics and fun boat trips!
A well-balanced Mediterranean picnic basket can include a healthy array of fresh and easily transportable finger food options for that trip to the picnic sites, to enjoy on your boat trip, or simply for a picnic on the beach.
Our favourites at the Spice House include:
Greek meze skewers
Load with cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, kalamata olives and cubes of feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
Melon & Prosciutto skewers
Combine sweet local melons and fresh figs with salty prosciutto and basil leaves, for a hydrating sweet and salty treat.
Caprese skewers
Alternate cherry tomatoes with mini mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves. Pack a small bottle of balsamic glaze to drizzle before enjoying.
Spill proof dips
Thick creamy Hummus
Refreshing Tzatziki
Tahini spread
Spicy whipped Feta dip / Tirokafteri
Pack your dips into individual pots (we use tallish mason jars) then top with veggie sticks (carrots, cucumber, peppers, apple slices and more…). Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds / dukkha at the last minute. Mini pittas are nice for dipping too!
All these dips can be bought in the local supermarkets or made at home a day or so ahead, stored in the fridge until needed, then packed in your cold box ready for your picnic or boat trip.
Recipe
Spicy Whipped Feta Dip / Tirokafteri
Ingredients:
8 ounces block quality feta, drained
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 lemon zest
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, more as needed
2 teaspoons Harissa, or red pepper flakes (to your taste)
Optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2-3 tablespoons toasted walnuts
1-2 tablespoons crushed pistachios
Instructions:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the feta, Greek yogurt, lemon zest and optional ingredients. Blend, and while the processor is running, drizzle olive oil through the top opening, until the feta is whipped to a smooth / thickish mixture. Keep refrigerated until needed.
Spice&Easy Cyprus for health & wellness! We do the blending, so you don’t have to!