Marinated Olives~Two Ways

We had a holiday open house for our friends, these marinated olives were a  big hit. They are very easy to put together, and only, require being made atleast the day before, to allow the flavours to mingle. Serve them with some cheese and some cold cuts, and voilá, easy entertaining. Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season.

Marinated Green Olives

• 3 cups brine cured green olives,
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 5 garlic cloves  thinly sliced (I used minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried hot pepper flakes

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well to mix. Marinate the olive mixture, covered and chilled, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 day before serving. Let come to room temperature before serving. To store indefinitely, transfer the olives to a 1-quart glass jar with tight-fitting lid and keep chilled. Yield: About 3 cups

Marinated Black Olives with Sun-dried Tomatoes

• 3 cups brine cured black olives,
• 1 bag or jar sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 red wine vinegar ( I used balsamic)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 5 garlic cloves  thinly sliced (I used minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried hot pepper flakes

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well to mix. Marinate the olive mixture, covered and chilled, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 day before serving. Let come to room temperature before serving. To store indefinitely, transfer the olives to a 1-quart glass jar with tight-fitting lid and keep chilled. Yield: About 3 cups

****you can add many other herbs, and seasonings instead of these, rosemary,thyme, fennel seed, paprika, cumin, black pepper etc.

xo,Diana