Like most people you will be invited to multiple family functions and friend parties. You will also be asked to bring your favorite appetizer as part of these invitations. I'm about to give you a recipe to my favorite appetizer that I use for most of these gatherings.
A little history first.
While on a business trip to Las Vegas years ago we were eating at an Italian restaurant in the Forum shops at Caesars Palace and instead of serving their bread with the usual butter or oil/vinegar mixture they served it with olive tapenade.
At first I looked at it and to be quite honest with you I was taken back by its appearance. It sort of looked like some kind of concoction you see on a Food Network challenge show. I like olives but I didn't love olives. So I put a little bit on and took a big bite of bread in case it was awful I would be left with a good bread to tapenade ratio. To my surprise it was FANTASTIC!
Needless to say after another 4 plates of bread I finally got the courage to ask our server what was in it. I was expecting her not to know or share because it was their own special recipe but to my surprise she gladly shared it with us. It was like writing down directions to a hidden treasure.
So now you can be the hit at your next gathering.
OLIVE TAPENADE
1 can black olives
1 cup green olives with pimento
10-15 pitted kalamata olives
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
dash of red pepper flakes
Combine all of the ingredient in blender and serve fresh or chill. I usually serve it with baguette bread cut in small pieces like the picture provided. You could even spread a little olive oil on the bread and toast in the oven for a little bit. Gourmet crackers are also excellent with this.
Let me know if you enjoy it and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!!!
