Citrus and Garlic Marinated Olives

This recipe is one of the best to make (no cooking required!) and these olives are a perfect snack, addition to an antipasti platter, or appetizer at a cocktail party.

Citrus and Garlic Marinated Olives

serves: enough for a party

Ingredients

3 c cracked green olives

3 c pitted green olives

1 c kalamata olives

1/2 c caper berries

3 lemons

1 orange

9 cloves garlic (6 whole, 3 crushed)*

2 quart seal-able jar

olive oil

crushed red pepper, rosemary (optional)

Instructions

Strain olives and caper berries into a colander and rinse thoroughly with water. Soak olives and capers in a bowl of cool water for 10 mins. Meanwhile, peal 9 cloves of garlic. Crush 3 of the cloves and set aside. Thinly slice citrus fruits, saving 1/2 of one of the lemons for juicing. 

Strain olives and capers.

In a 2 quart jar, layer olives, capers, garlic (and spices, if you are using them) and fruit slices alternatively until the jar is almost full. Juice the remaining 1/2 lemon and pour juice into the jar . Fill the jar with olive oil, to the top.

The olives last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator for 25-30 mins before serving. 

*use more or less garlic, depending on your taste. I love garlic, and 9 cloves seems to be the perfect amount for me.