Most often cited in literature the olive has earned its place of honor on our dinner tables.   Actually considered a fruit by some, olives are cholesterol free, low in calories and come in three main varieties; black, Spanish and kalamata.

The next time you are preparing a gourmet meal for your foodie friends consider serving an olive marinade.   Olive marinade can be made up to one month in advance and stored in an air tight container in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it.   It can be used as an appetizer or spooned over a salad, pasta or chicken dish.

To make the olive marinade you will need to first assemble the following ingredients;

• one 6 ounce can of drained black ripe pitted olives
• ¼ cup good quality olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or basil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon balsamic or white wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt.

Combine all the ingredients into a plastic container or bag and seal.   Shake the mixture to coat all of the olives and then place it into the refrigerator to marinate.  Leave the olives in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.