Friday, March 02, 2007

Feta and macadamia honey on black rye toast


The health-giving and medicinal properties of honey have been well-documented. Macadamia honey is made from the nectar bees collect from macadamia blossoms. I like its gentle and soothing flavour, and its relative lack of acidity, compared to ironbark or eucalyptus. For me, the best honeys are clear, delicate and floral ones like acacia or clover honey.
The Greeks are big on honey: on pastries or used in desserts. I like it drizzled over some ricotta or plain yoghurt, or on a very dense seeded nutty bread, with or without unsalted butter.

Lately honey's been part of my new Euro-fusion favourite breakfast. I use Danish feta (from the supermarket deli counter, usually about $8 to $9 a kilo). It's really very salty and tangy, so it's good for this purpose. It's also incredibly smooth and crumblable, almost like a mature cheddar, or good-quality dark chocolate. Slice thinly and toast some dense black rye bread, the stronger the better. Spread the hot toast with the feta, and drizzle with honey. It's fantastic with a grind of fresh black pepper over it, and you should definitely have a hot cup of smoky Russian Caravan tea on the side.

No comments: