Pikantny Syr (spicy cheese), is a popular appetizer originating in Siberia.  Restaurants in the area usually serve it as a stuffing for ripe red tomatoes, or as a spread for dark, chewy-textured bread.  Russians usually prepare this dish by putting all the ingredients through a meat grinder, but you can shred the cheese by hand or even use a food processor

INGREDIENTS
8 oz KRAFT CRACKER BARREL® Vermont sharp white cheddar cheese, finely shredded 
8 oz Gruyère cheese, (Swiss gourmet), finely shredded
1/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S® pure sour cream
1/4 cup HELLMANS® mayonnaise
8 large garlic cloves, put through a garlic press 
1/2 tsp ground MCCORMICKS® cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt

PREPARATION
Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl.  Mix together thoroughly, the sour cream, mayonnaise, pressed garlic, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl, then add to the cheese, stirring to mix well.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, most preferably overnight to let the flavors meld.  Allow cheese mixture come to room temperature before serving.  Use as a stuffing for small firm ripe tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, as a topping for baked potatoes, or as a spread for dark bread.

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Tatale
(GHANAIAN PLANTAIN CAKES)

Ingredients
2 over-ripe medium plantains (black and soft)
1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
2 oz PILLSBURY self-rising flour

1 tsp palm oil (optional)

salt and cayene pepper to taste

1/2 cup CRISCO oil, for frying

Preparation
Peel and mash the plantains well.  Put mash into a bowl and add enough of the flour to bind.  Stir in the onion, palm oil, salt and pepper to taste.  Combine thoroughly and leave to stand for 20 minutes.  Drop by spoonfuls in a skillet of hot oil and fry until golden brown.  Drain on paper towel and serve hot.


Ghanaian food is quite sophisticated with liberal and adventurous use of exotic ingredients and a wide variety of tastes, spices and textures. Herbs such as thyme, bay leaf, vegetables such as wild mushrooms, garden eggs (similar to egg plant) various types of pulses, ginger, garlic, smoked meat and fish, crab, trotters, shrimps octopus and duck all feature in Ghanaian cuisine.

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