Best Ouzo Marinated Greek Cheese Recipes

OUZO-MARINATED GREEK CHEESE

Steps:

• Cut cheese lengthwise into four 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Arrange in single layer in shallow dish. Mix ouzo, oil, parsley, thyme and pepper in small bowl. Pour over cheese. Marinate at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours, turning once.
• Preheat broiler. Remove cheese from marinade and transfer to 4 small broiler-proof gratin dishes. Drizzle 2 teaspoons marinade over each piece of cheese. Broil until cheese is soft and just begins to melt, about 4 minutes. Serve with bread.

ORZO BAKED WITH GREEK CHEESES

Steps:

• Pour broth into large pot. Add enough water to broth to almost fill pot. Add salt and bring to boil. Stir in orzo and boil until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain well. Return to pot. Mix in cream, oil, feta and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to 1 1/2-quart baking dish. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle orzo with cheese. Bake until heated through, about 40 minutes.

HOMEMADE OUZO

Steps:

• 1. Make a simple syrup with water and sugar. Add angelica root and mace.
• 2. Allow to cool, then add alcohol, anise extract and water. Give it a good shake.
• 3. Age for 1 week and then strain into clean bottles. Allow an additional month for aging.

GREEK OUZO PORK KABOBS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the first 10 ingredients until blended. Pour 1/2 cup marinade into a shallow dish; stir in ouzo. Add pork; turn to coat. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade., Drain pork, discarding marinade in dish. On 12 metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternately thread pork and vegetables. Grill kabobs, uncovered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat until until pork is tender and vegetables are crisp-tender 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting frequently with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes. If desired, top with additional fresh thyme and rosemary and serve with tzatziki.

OUZO SHRIMP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add onions and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are tender but not browned.
• Stir in tomatoes,parsley,oregano,salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Simmer, uncovered,over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• *Can be made ahead to this point. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• In a large bowl, combine shrimp and lemon juice and toss until well coated; set aside.
• In a medium saucepan heat 2 quarts of water to boiling.
• Drain shrimp and drop into boiling water.
• Return water to a boil (shrimp should just be turning pink); drain shrimp.
• Place shrimp in a bowl and pour ouzo over them.
• *Can be prepared ahead to this point. Cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours.
• In a large skillet heat the tomato sauce.
• Add cooked shrimp and ouzo; continue cooking just until shrimp are heated through.
• Transfer to individual ramekins or dishes, sprinkle with cheese, and serve immediately.