Anyone Have a Show Outline for the Greek Cheese Torta?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the preparation of a Greek Cheese Torta, with participants sharing their experiences and questions regarding the recipe, particularly concerning the use of nuts and the method for draining spinach.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to avoid reinventing the wheel when it comes to the show outline for the dish.
  • Another participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of making the dish without nuts due to allergies and receiving positive feedback.
  • Several users discuss the possibility of using a salad spinner to drain spinach, with mixed feelings about its effectiveness.
  • One participant mentions a concern about the potential mess when using a salad spinner for spinach.
  • Another participant suggests lining the berry basket with paper towels to aid in drying the spinach.
  • One participant shares their successful experience using the berry basket to dry spinach without paper towels during a show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best method for draining spinach, with some participants expressing skepticism about using a salad spinner while others share positive experiences with the berry basket.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding the preparation of the Greek Cheese Torta, particularly focusing on ingredient substitutions and kitchen techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on preparing the Greek Cheese Torta and those interested in kitchen techniques for draining spinach may find this discussion relevant.

dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
Anyone? I hate to reinvent the wheel...
 
This is one dish I have to stay every far away from. I'm highly allergic to pistachios. Sorry.
 
^ Oh, I've made that three times and left out the nuts. It's sooooo good! I've had TONS of compliments on it!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Debala715 said:
This is one dish I have to stay every far away from. I'm highly allergic to pistachios. Sorry.

In the SBRC it says you can sub toasted almonds for the pistachios.
I am wondering a couple of things -- would it be possible to drain teh spinach using the Salad Spinner? And why wait til the end to put the nuts on? Can't you put them in the bowl first? As the first layer? Or would the cheese ooze thru them? Oh, and also - can I add a clove of garlic to the cheese mixture?
 
Do you mean spin the spinach or just use the collander to drain it? I would think that if you spinned it in the salad spinner it would be stuck all over the collander and a real pain to get it out - you could try though.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
pamperedlinda said:
Do you mean spin the spinach or just use the collander to drain it? I would think that if you spinned it in the salad spinner it would be stuck all over the collander and a real pain to get it out - you could try though.

I mean spin it - I could swear I read somewhere that it was said that you could use the SBS to dry thawed frozen spinach...

I don't want to try it though - LOL I'd rather ask if anyone else had a disaster experience with it first - LOLOLOL
 
I'm not going to be the brave soul to give this a try, I already know how bad it gets stuck in the regular collander! I can just envision what this experiment would look like :eek: and it ain't pretty.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
What if we lined the berry basket with paper towels (like it says to line the small colander with paper towels) an then spun it?
 
dannyzmom said:
What if we lined the berry basket with paper towels (like it says to line the small colander with paper towels) an then spun it?
That might work. I didn't know I was suposed to line the basket for berries! Guess I shoulda read the PIG - huh?! Now, that I'd be willing to try. But, I don't have any frozen spinach at home and no plans to go to the grocery store today.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
pamperedlinda said:
That might work. I didn't know I was suposed to line the basket for berries! Guess I shoulda read the PIG - huh?! Now, that I'd be willing to try. But, I don't have any frozen spinach at home and no plans to go to the grocery store today.

No, no - nowhere does it say you have to line the basket for berries...but in the torta recipe it suggests lining the colander with PT for drying the spinach so I am thinking maybe lining the berry-basket to spin the spinach dry?
 
dannyzmom said:
No, no - nowhere does it say you have to line the basket for berries...but in the torta recipe it suggests lining the colander with PT for drying the spinach so I am thinking maybe lining the berry-basket to spin the spinach dry?
might work.
 
I have used the berry basket many times to dry the spinach without a paper towel amd it worked great!
 
Carolyn - I decided to try the berry basket to spin the spinach for THE FIRST TIME AT A SHOW on 4/9. I told my guests I usually NEVER experiment at shows. ;)It worked great for it! I did not use paper towels - just the spinach as is.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Greek Cheese Torta?

A Greek Cheese Torta is a delicious appetizer made with layers of creamy cheeses, herbs, and spices, often served with crackers or fresh vegetables. It’s a great dish for entertaining and can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste.

How do I prepare a Greek Cheese Torta for my show?

To prepare a Greek Cheese Torta, start by blending cream cheese, feta cheese, and Greek yogurt until smooth. Then, layer it with chopped herbs like dill and parsley, and season with garlic, lemon juice, and pepper. Chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

What are some serving suggestions for the Greek Cheese Torta?

The Greek Cheese Torta can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as pita chips, fresh vegetables, or crusty bread. You can also pair it with olives, roasted red peppers, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Can I make the Greek Cheese Torta ahead of time?

Yes, the Greek Cheese Torta can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it is well-wrapped and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for your show.

What kitchen tools do I need to make a Greek Cheese Torta?

To make a Greek Cheese Torta, you will need a mixing bowl, a hand mixer or food processor for blending the cheeses, a spatula for layering, and a serving platter. Optional tools include measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient measurements.

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