saganaki

Ingredients

• ¹/₂ lb kasseri cheese, sliced ¹/₂" thick (haloumi or the strongly-flavored kefalotyri may be substituted)
• ¹/₄ C flour
• 3 Tb olive oil for frying

Procedure

1. Dredge the cheese slices in the flour, and shake to remove any excess. Chill while oil heats.
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the cheese slices and sauté until golden brown on both sides—about 45 seconds per side. Keep warm in oven while browning remaining slices. Transfer cheese to a heat-proof serving platter.

Serving suggestions

• 4 Tb Metaxa (a traditional Greek brandy) (optional)
• lemon wedges
• fresh parsley

To serve, pour heated brandy over saganaki tableside and ignite; use lemon wedges to extinguish the flames (optional). Serve with pita bread that has been toasted and broken into quarters. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.