IN Great Taste by Yvette Zuniga Jemison
Holiday Appetizers
Zesty Marinated Olives and Goat Cheese Servings: 4-6 1/2 cup olive oil, divided 1 lemon, sliced, seeds removed 10 ounces pitted Castelvetrano olives, well drained 4 garlic cloves, smashed 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper Zest from 1 lemon, removed in wide strips 6 ounces goat cheese Loaf of rustic bread or flatbread
THE HOLIDAYS ARE HECTIC ENOUGH, so we could use a few easy party recipes. It’s always welcoming to have snacks to nibble on as guests arrive, and these two appetizers are simple and satisfying treats. The Sweet and Salty Date Mix is exactly what the title implies, but it’s also warm and chewy in the most delightful way. The best part is that it goes directly from the oven to the table for effortless entertaining. Zesty Marinated Olives and Goat Cheese is another delicious party dish. Enjoy both with flatbread, rustic bread, festive beverages and plenty of holiday cheer. 88
Inside Northside
1. Warm 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet on medium heat. Add the lemon slices and cook until caramelized, 1-2 minutes on each side. Transfer lemons to a cutting board and let sit until cool enough to coarsely chop. Clean the skillet before continuing. 2. Add the remaining oil, olives, garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper and lemon zest into the skillet on medium low heat. Cook until garlic is golden brown, about 15 minutes. 3. Cool olive-and-oil blend for 20 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, crumble goat cheese into generous bite-size pieces and arrange on a rimmed serving dish. If using bread, tear into bite-size pieces and arrange on serving platter. 5. Pour warm olive blend over the cheese. Top with the coarsely chopped caramelized lemons. Serve warm or at room temperature with rustic bread pieces or flatbread.
