Marinated Feta and Olive Skewers

Marinate: 1 hour; Prep: 25 minutes. Yield: Makes 8 servings (serving size: 3 skewers)

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces feta cheese, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes
• 24 (6-inch) wooden skewers
• 24 fresh mint leaves
• 12 pitted green olives, halved
• 1/4 large English cucumber, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

Preparation

1. Combine fennel seeds, orange zest and juice, and pepper in a medium bowl. Gently stir in the feta and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature or up to 3 hours in the refrigerator. (Marinate overnight to save time.)
2. To assemble: Place 1 mint leaf on a skewer, about 3/4 inch up; add 1 olive half and 1 cucumber chunk. Place 1 cube of feta on the end. These can be made several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature before serving.