kiounéfe

Sometimes known politiki kiounéfe, this sweet is the Middle Eastern take on cheese cake.  The recipe was said to have been invented for the Caliphs to assauge their hunger after fasting for Ramadan.

Made with kadaïfi (although some versions use semolina), filled with a mild, soft unsalted sheep cheese (Kaidan, myzíthra or anthótyros) and baked, drenched in syrup made with sugar and lemon and covered with chopped pistachios.

Traditionally kiounéfe is served warm, with a dollop of kaïmáki ice cream and a glass of cherry juice (výssino).