Halloumi Bread

Halloumi is a salty cheese, also called grilling cheese, and is traditionally prepared from sheep’s milk in Cyprus. It’s not meant to be eaten plain but is delicious warmed or grilled. Since I had never tried this cheese before, I tasted some before adding it to the dough of this classic Greek bread. Alone it has somewhat of a rubbery texture and is quite salty, but once baked in the bread its saltiness is tamed and its texture transformed, becoming creamy and savory. Freshly dried mint adds beautiful green flecks throughout the interior of the loaf and a touch of brightness to the flavor. Mint is an herb I associate more with tea or dessert than with bread, but its subtle flavor in the loaf is tantalizing. I love when my senses are awakened to the unexpected pleasures of taste.