Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Feta, fennel, and lemon zest

Despite the gastrointestinal consequences, sometimes i cannot resist a dairy craving (PMS, boredom, etc). Feta cheese (in moderation) usually isn't as bad for me as other things. Here's one my boyfriend's family taught me. a high-end treat that costs about four dollars to serve from four to fifteen.

take a small block of feta cheese. After draining the liquid it's shipped in (save for mixing with a salad dressing if you'd like), slice it up like tofu into 1cm x 2cm x 3cm bricks (small is beautiful). pile on small dish in pyramid and garnish the plate (with lemon zest and a sprig of mint or fennel) for hors d'oeuvres. provide toothpicks for your guests.

topping: in olive oil (as light as you want) mix in [toasted] fennel seeds. I find the seeds easier to digest when toasted. I like to use Heather's fennel tea mix. on the side, grate some lemon zest for guests to pinch (or cheat and buy a spice bottle of it to sprinkle).

to eat: toothpick a piece of feta. dip into the fennel-oil suspension, sticking some seeds to the cheese. top each piece with a tiny pinch of lemon zest. serve with a cracker if you'd prefer.

As a college kid seeking sophistication on a budget, when the craving hits i'll just buy a two-dollar tub of crumbled feta (keeping the lid!), pour in some oil, loose fennel tea mix, and a few fingersful of lemon zest, mix and snack throughout the week. great study snack, the whole thing costs only the 3 or 4 dollars that could've easily been spent at the vending machine.

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