Ouzo Marinated Greek Cheese Recipes

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.

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.

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.