Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Spiked Olives, a relish with attitude

Spiked Olives

The name of this particular dish makes me giggle. We all know relish trays are a regular feature at frat parties and frequently meet an unsuspecting alteration. OK, that may be an exaggeration…
What precisely are spiked olives? Simply put, it is the addition of a handful of flavoring elements to your chosen selection of prepared olives. It is a fast & frugal way to round out an elegant display of tapas. It is also just plain yummy with salads and pasta. And no, you're not going to get drunk on them. Pinky swear.

I love the tangy brine of olives against the creamy sweetness of soft cheeses. I ascribe to fusion cuisine and encourage others to take this broad minded approach. Condiments are an excellent foray into nontraditional pairings.  Experiment with different olives as well as pairings!

Spiked Olives
2 Tbs capers
1 can black olives, drained
1 jar stuffed green olives with liquid
1 Tbs minced garlic
1/2 tsp vermouth
1/2 tsp gin
Combine all ingredients in a bowl with a tightly covered lid.
Refrigerate a day ahead of serving to allow flavors to meld and permeate the olives.

If you happen to have some fresh rosemary on hand, I imagine 1 Tbs of minced leaves would be a lovely addition.

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