Seared and salty cheese is usually a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Halloumi cheese is the perfect candidate for the job: it's sturdy, pleasantly squeaky and holds its shape when you sear it. A Middle Eastern staple, it used to be somewhat difficult to track down but it's now pretty readily available in most grocery stores. I love using it to top soups or salads, but I also love it as a quick appetizer if I have last-minute guests. Here's how to make them! 3 ingredient halloumi bites • 2 slices (1/4 inch/5 mm thick) halloumi • 1 plum tomato, chopped • Fresh basil leaves • Extra virgin olive oil In nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook halloumi cheese, turning once, until light golden on both sides, about 5 minutes. Cut into bites size pieces. Thread 1 piece of tomato, a basil leaf and 1 piece of halloumi on a cocktail skewer. Drizzle with a little olive oil.  Photography by Jennifer Bartoli