Olive You

One thing that I have grown to love over the years is olives.  As a kid I wouldn’t touch them but now I can’t get enough of the salty little guys.  I like all colors and varieties and I love them stuffed with anything from onions to cheese.  One of my favorite ways to eat them is in a tapenade, so last night I pulled out my food processor and got to work.

Kalamata Olive Tapenade

I like the kalamata Greek olives, but you could make this with whatever kind you like best, or a mixture of a few different sorts of olives.  If you buy the pitted olives, be sure to remove and discard the pits before adding the olives to the food processor.  The ingredients below make 1 cup of tapenade.

• 1 cup kalamata olives, drained
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1 cup fresh, flat-leaf Italian parsley leaves
• 1 green onion, cut into about fifths
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/4 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Put all ingredients except for the oil in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.  Pour in the olive oil and pulse a few more times until everything is well-combined.

I really enjoy this with just crackers, but it can be used so many ways.  Here are a few ideas:

• Add chopped tomatoes to the tapenade and use it to top fresh fish fillets
• Smear on slices fresh bread with goat cheese and/or fig preserves
• Add a tapenade layer to you favorite torta
• Spread on grilled paninis
• Use on a cool tomato and fresh mozzarella sandwich
• Ramp up a simple grilled cheese, roast beef, or egg salad sandwich with some tapenade
• Create a black olive salad dressing by adding more olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Add it to your favorite deviled egg recipe
• Substitute it for tomato sauce on a homemade pizza
• Toss with warm pasta and halved cherry tomatoes
• Or use your own imagination!

Any way you choose to eat this tapenade, it will add a ton of flavor to your dish.  It is salty and garlicky with a punch of fresh herbs and an overall creamy texture.  It is a simple recipe for a versatile condiment that is sure to boost a few of your usual snacks and meals.  Enjoy…