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acamp7

Active member
I’m a huge fan of feta cheese, but I’ve found it challenging to find the authentic taste outside of Greece. I’m wondering if anyone has tips on how to shop for real, high-quality feta when you're not in Greece?

What should I look for in terms of packaging, brands, or specific labels to ensure I'm getting the genuine product? I’ve noticed a lot of “feta-style” cheeses in stores, but I’m looking for the real deal made with sheep’s milk (or a mix with goat’s milk).

Also, any advice on where to find the best feta cheese online or in specialty stores would be greatly appreciated!
 
Like the yogurt topic, feta made in the US will likely be made from cow's milk, while in Greece it's sheep's milk. That's a big part of the taste and texture difference.

A specialty Greek grocery store, where they have cheese in bulk is great and there are often several varieties to choose from. You can ask for a sample(s) to taste and decide which you like best.
 
Obviously , it depends on where you live . In Ohio , parts of our state are more ethnic than others and specialty stores are easier to find . There are some on-line purveyors that will ship feta . Dodoni is a favorite . Another option is to search a dairy near you . I just located a goat farm less than 25 miles from me that sells goat's milk cheese and yogurt , you just have to buy a share of a goat ( ~25 dollars and pay for the upkeep of your goat but the upkeep you get back in product ) . Check out the options , you'll be surprised .
 
When shopping for authentic feta cheese outside of Greece, there are a few key things to look for to ensure you’re getting the real deal. First, check the label for “PDO” (Protected Designation of Origin), which guarantees the cheese was made in specific regions of Greece according to traditional methods. Authentic feta should be made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk—never cow’s milk.

Brands like Dodoni, Kolios, and Olympus are well-known for their quality and adherence to traditional production. In terms of packaging, look for feta sold in brine; this helps maintain its texture and flavor.

For finding authentic feta online, check out Greek specialty food stores or websites like Greek Grocery Store, Titan Foods, or Amazon’s gourmet section. Specialty stores with a strong focus on Mediterranean or Greek products are also great places to find high-quality feta.
 

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.

What is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?

Favorite Greek Cheeses Beyond Feta

Feta gets most of the attention when people talk about Greek cheese, but there are so many other varieties worth trying. I’m curious which Greek cheeses everyone enjoys most beyond feta.

Graviera is one of my favorites because it works so well on a cheese plate, grated over dishes, or just eaten with bread. Kasseri is another one I really like, especially melted. I’ve also been interested in trying more regional cheeses like metsovone, manouri, kefalotyri, and formaela.

Some Greek cheeses seem to be much easier to find outside Greece than others, so I’d also love to know which ones people regularly buy and where they usually find them.

What Greek cheeses do you keep coming back to? Are there certain ones you associate with a particular region, dish, or family tradition? And if someone has mostly eaten feta, which Greek cheese would you recommend they try next?

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?
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