LUXE CHEF: Episode 1, Saganaki

Editor’s Note: It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the first episode of Luxe Chef with Chef Spencer Hinkle, co-produced along with “Luxe Beat’s Lifestyles Editor & Director of Photography” Dale Sanders. In this episode Saganaki is the featured dish. It’s a Greek flaming cheese appetizer that is not only delicious, but does require the cooks full attention given the recipe calls for working with fire. Who doesn’t love fried cheese…enjoy and be safe!

We’re thrilled to be working with Chef Hinkle and are looking forward to seeing what he cooks up throughout the series. We do know Episode 2 of Luxe Chef will feature a Grilled Peaches Dessert…yum!

To learn more about Chef Spencer Hinkle check out his featured interview here.

Saganaki

Greek Flaming Cheese Appetizer, a la Chef Spencer Hinkle

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1½ inch thick slab of Kefalotyri or Kasseri cheese (Approx. 4oz.)

¼ cup water

½ cup All Purpose Flour

1½ Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 oz of Brandy

½ Lemon

Small bunch of flat leaf Italian Parsley with medium chop

Fresh French baguette 

 

Equipment:

Small cast iron skillet or oven safe skillet

Long neck lighter

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º

Preheat cast iron skillet on burner set to medium high. 

Brush water on both sides of the cheese, dredge in flour, and shake off excess. 

When the pan begins to smoke, pour in olive oil and carefully add the cheese slab. Cook cheese for approximately 2 minutes, then carefully turn it over and transfer the pan to a preheated oven for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove skillet with cheese, and place on a trivet or heat proof surface. 

Pour Brandy over cheese and carefully light with a long neck lighter. Say “OPA!” (which means JOY)

Extinguish flame with lemon half and eat immediately using bread to sop up the pan sauce. 

Enjoy!