![\"Strawberries,](\"https:\/\/developer83.wordpress-developer.us\/culturecheesemag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/SPR15-15WaysFeta-Strawberries-750x368.jpg\")
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O<\/span>f all the cheeses in dairy land, feta stands out as a cook\u2019s ally. With its briny freshness and clean tang, feta is an instant flavor enhancer, packing the merits of both salt and acidity in a single culinary punch. Never mind that it doesn\u2019t melt and ooze; instead this sturdy cheese brings a flavorful backbone to all sorts of dishes. Even celebrated chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi admits in his latest cookbook, Plenty More<\/a> <\/em>(Ten Speed Press, Oct. 2014; $21), \u201cFeta . . .is one of the oldest tricks in my book when trying to \u2018fix\u2019 a recipe.\u201d<\/p>\n Like any other broad category of cheese, feta comes in a variety of styles and milks. They range from the standard-bearer Greek and Bulgarian sheep\u2019s milk fetas\u2014with their robust tanginess\u2014to more mellow and gently curdy fetas made from cow\u2019s, sheep\u2019s, or goat\u2019s milk.<\/p>\n Salt content also varies a great deal, so it\u2019s best to sample and choose your favorites for cooking. For the most versatility, stock a soft-style feta and a dense, chewier version. It keeps well in the fridge, always at the ready to be of service to the cook. Salads are the classic medium for chunky bits of feta, but don\u2019t stop there. As demonstrated in the recipes below, this cheese is no one-trick pony. We\u2019ve harnessed its sharp flavor for meat and chicken dishes, vegetable hand pies, a creamy dip, and even a sweet berry delicacy.<\/p>\n The big flavors of Greek salad\u2014tomato, cucumber, oregano, olives, and feta\u2014adapt perfectly to the addition of cumin, cooked chicken, and plenty of fresh cilantro in this tangy taco filling.<\/p>\n A classic of the Greek meze table, this quick-to-concoct savory dip tastes best if made a day ahead and refrigerated. Za\u2019atar is a Lebanese spice mixture that includes ground thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. The blend adds a nice counterpoint to the salty taste of feta, but it\u2019s optional.<\/p>\n1. Feta, Cumin, Olive, and Chicken Tacos<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/developer83.wordpress-developer.us\/culturecheesemag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/fetatacos_internal-300x209.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Whipped Feta with Spring Onion and Za\u2019atar<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Whipped](\"https:\/\/developer83.wordpress-developer.us\/culturecheesemag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/SPR15-15waysfeta-whipped-540x360-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Moroccan Feta Meatballs with Ras El Hanout and Zucchini Noodles<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Moroccan](\"https:\/\/developer83.wordpress-developer.us\/culturecheesemag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/SPR15-15WaysFeta-Meatballs-540x360-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nRas el hanout is a blend of six or more ground spices, similar in concept to curry powder, but more cinnamon based. It\u2019s available in most markets, but if necessary, substitute equal parts cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n4. Strawberries, Feta, and Walnuts with Fresh Mint<\/a><\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n![\"Strawberries,](\"https:\/\/developer83.wordpress-developer.us\/culturecheesemag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/SPR15-15WaysFeta-Strawberries-540x360-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\nLike the now-popular combo of watermelon and feta, this pairing of strawberries and feta is striking yet simple. A light sugar syrup, infused with fresh mint and vanilla, lends the berries just the oomph needed to stand up to the zesty cheese.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n5. Herbed Feta and Cheddar Hand Pies<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Herbed](\"https:\/\/developer83.wordpress-developer.us\/culturecheesemag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/SPR15-15WaysFeta-HandPies-540x360-300x200.jpg\")
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