Delectable Cheese Bites

If you are looking for an easy appetizer to take along to a party this holiday weekend, try this easy make-ahead recipe for marinated cheese bites.

Pecorino Piccante  (Spiced Pecorino Cheese)

7 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
3/4 pound Pecorino Sienese cheese (or Toscano, young provolone, or ricotta salata)
6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1.  Place fennel seeds and peppercorns in a small brown paper bag; roll up the bag so there are a few layers of paper around the spices.  Crush spices coarsely with a mallet or flat side of a heavy knife.
2.  Cut the cheese into 1/2-inch cubes.  Combine cheese cubes with spices and oil in a bowl.  Refrigerated, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight.
3.  About 30 minutes before serving time, remove cheese from refrigerator.  Transfer, with marinade, to serving dish.  Serve at room temperature with wooden picks.