Feta Parcels with Figs

Preheat oven to 375º. In a bowl, mash cheese and olive oil with a fork and season with herbs. Cut sheets of phyllo into 4-inch squares. Spoon 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture into the center of each, add a fig or date half, and draw the sides up to form a pouch. Press edges together with water to seal. Lightly brush each pouch with melted butter and bake for 10–15 minutes until crisp and golden. For a festive look, tie a blanched scallion or leek strip around each parcel. Makes 48 parcels.