Warm Citrus Olives

Let's switch gears a little.  Now that we're into full-on Fall and headed into the Winter months, we're doing more cozy cuddly things inside that warm us all the way through.  This cocktail snack is just that.  It pairs nicely with your favorite seasonal drink, and keeps in the refrigerator, to be heated up for next time.  That's if you have leftovers...which you won't :)

----------------------------------------------------

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

16 ounces of your favorite olives, drained (I use Castelvetrano and Kalamata) - pitted or not is fine, either works

1 orange (you will need the peel and the juice)

3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed with the back of your knife

fresh thyme

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

pinch black pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

optional:  3 ounces goat cheese and crusty bread

Warm olive oil in a pan over low heat.  

Peel one half of the orange with a vegetable peeler and zest the other half.  Add to the oil, with the red pepper flakes, garlic, pepper, and thyme. Cut orange in half and squeeze the juice into the oil.  Stir and heat slowly for approx 10 minutes so the oil infuses.

When warm and redolent with the delicious smell of orange, add the olives and continue to heat over low, stirring occasionally, to combine.

When ready, add mixture to bowl(s) and serve with cocktails.

Or you can also serve it like this, with some crusty bread and goat cheese nestled in the middle.  If you do it this way, spoon the warm garlicky orange oil over the cheese so you can get all the goodness onto your bread, like this: