Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions Dip

Ingredients:

1 ½ lemons, plus more to taste

1 bunch scallions, trimmed and halved crosswise

⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil

10 ounces feta cheese, broken into large pieces (about 2 1/2 to 3 cups)

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for garnish

¼ teaspoon cayenne, plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon hot water

(garlic)

(Honey for drizzling)

(Cherry tomatoes)

PREPARATION

Heat the broiler and line a sheet pan with foil. Juice 1 whole lemon to get 3 tablespoons juice and set aside. Cut the remaining 1/2 lemon into 3 to 4 thin slices.

In a medium bowl, toss together the lemon slices, scallions and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place on sheet pan and broil until blackened, tossing occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes for the scallions and about another 5 minutes for the lemon slices. Transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly.

In a food processor, add the feta, cream cheese, remaining 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, reserved lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne and hot water. Purée until very smooth, then add almost all of the scallions (save 1 or 2 pieces and chop roughly for a garnish). Pulse to combine, leaving some chunky scallion pieces. Taste for lemon, adjusting as needed.

Transfer to a bowl, then garnish with charred lemon slices, the reserved scallion, black pepper and a pinch of cayenne (and halved cherry tomatoes). (Drizzle with a little honey)