Barley Rusks with Olive Oil (recipe)
Barley Rusks with Olive Oil (Paximadia – Dacos)
This is one of the most popular, classic small snacks in Crete. It is called, the “Cretan owl” named after the round rusks that, resemble the head of an owl. The recipe below is typical of the area of Rethimno. In other areas of Crete this recipe is made without feta cheese. In all cases anyway, it is important to use very fruity flavored olive oil.
Ingredients
4 barley rusks
8 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 large ripe tomatoes, deseeded and cut in small cubes
1 cup hard feta cheese, grated Salt.
Method
1. Moisten the rusks with cold water.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and let the rusks absorb it.
3. Salt according to taste. Be especially careful if feta cheese is salty,
4. Arrange the tomato cubes on the rusks. Sprinkle with grated feta cheese and serve.