February 2018 | The Honest Spoon

Having friends over? Looking for an inexpensive & quick appetizer? Or just a quick snack for yourself? This quick, easy, and versatile olive tapenade is a crowd pleaser!. It's Gluten Free, Vegan, Whole 30 and Paleo compliant. What more could we ask for?

To get started, you will need a few things:

• one jar pitted Kalamata Olives, in water

• one can pitted black olives

• fresh garlic

• extra virgin olive oil

• ground black pepper

As you can see, Trader Joe's is my preferred choice. You can grab both the Kalamata and black olives for around $5. That is far less expensive that what you'd find a traditional grocery store. Also, their olives taste great!!

EASY OLIVE TAPENADE  [VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, PALEO, WHOLE 30]

| Makes  about 2 Cups |

INGREDIENTS:

• one 12 oz jar pittedKalamata Olives (in water) drained.

• one 6 oz can pitted black olives, drained.

• one clove fresh garlic, peeled

• extra virgin olive oil

METHOD:

1. Place garlic in food processor. Process until minced- about 10 seconds.

2. Add all the drained olives. Process until minced- about 30 seconds for a rustic texture, about 45-60 seconds for a smoother texture. Your choice!

3. Transfer to serving bowl and top generously with olive oil.

4. Store in an airtight container and be sure to cover with olive oil. I recommend saving the glass jar, from the Kalamata olives, and storing in this container. Covering with olive oil will help maintain its freshness.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

- serve with fresh sliced baguettes.

- serve along side softened cream cheese, crème fraiche, ricotta and crackers.

- brighten up some eggs! Try my Mediterranean Eggs.