Week 22: May 26th - June 1st: Turkish
When I found this recipe (link) on food.com for The Traditional Cyprus Sandwich With Halloumi, Onions and Tomato while looking for ideas for the Turkish theme, I knew my search was over. My search for a recipe, at least. But another search was just beginning—the search for Halloumi cheese. Immediately I turned to my trusty source, Amazon. Sure enough! Amazon offered a 7 ounce package for $13.99. But alas, free shipping did not apply to this product. In fact, the shipping cost was $14.98, Ouch! More than the cost of the cheese. Let’s see…$13.99 plus $14.98 equals $28.97. Wow! Pretty costly for 7 ounces of cheese. To the tune of $4.14 per ounce! Whoa!
So, it was back to the drawing board (or search engine, in this case) for me. My search yielded another lead—Trader Joe’s. More research revealed the closest Trader Joe’s to be a mere 123 miles away. Google maps estimated a travel time of 2 hours and 8 minutes, with no allowance for getting lost. I got out the calculator. At $3.50 per gallon, it would cost between $30 and $35 to make the trip. Plus, it would take up most of the day. And, frankly, all my Saturdays were full until the end of the month. The $14.98 shipping was beginning to sound better all the time.
Then I had another inspiration. I had planned to take Mom out to eat for Mother’s Day. Once again, out with the iPad. I found a couple of stores that just might sell the cheese. In fact, one of them was right behind the restaurant where we intended to dine.
After a delicious lunch, I drove across the parking lot to Natural Gourmet. They didn’t have any of the cheese, but the young man who waited on me was very helpful and suggested a couple of other places. World Harvest sounded promising—he said they carried lots of cheeses. Once we got back to the car, I found the number and called World Harvest. Yes, they carried Halloumi cheese. I was so excited!!
The store was amazing! Where had it been all my life? I perused the store, making mental notes of the various items in case I needed something for a future project. I picked up a couple of items, then asked where to find the Halloumi, I was directed to a small refrigerated section, Glory be! There was the Halloumi! I grabbed the precious package and went to pay for my purchases. What a bargain! 8.82 ounces for only $6.99!! And no shipping charges.
A traditional Cypriot cheese made with sheep’s milk and hung out to dry in old tights or stockings. Hmm?? Halloumi is the Greek Cypriot name, Hellim is the Turkish Cypriot name.
Well, the Turkish theme started today and I just happened to have the day off for Memorial Day. I know the typical Memorial Day fare is hot dogs, burgers, potato salad and baked beans, but I couldn't wait to try the Halloumi sandwich.
I brought out the almost forgotten panini press
I bought the rolls—maybe I’ll make my own another time.
First, I sautéed the onion slices in olive oil.
Next, the Halloumi slices go into the skillet
Oh, they look soooo good!
Ready to assemble the sandwich. First the cheese, then a sprinkling of lemon juice and a few shakes of oregano (the recipe called for oregano leaves, but all I had was ground oregano, so that’s what I used). Next, tomato slices with a bit of freshly ground sea salt. Then, the onions and Kalamata olives. And finally, ready to go to press!
Oh, my! The sandwich was delicious!!
Would I make them again? Yes! I’ll definitely be stopping at World Harvest again soon.
Think I’ll stock up on the cheese as it can purportedly keep for up to ONE year when bought in a vacuum-sealed package.
