Morroccan Spiced Olives

Ingredients

1 c olives
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic
1 tsp rosemary leaves
1 1/2 tsp aji harissa
1 tbsp wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Drain olives of any brine.

2. Slowly heat olive oil over low heat. Remove from heat and add garlic, rosemary, chile-garlic paste, and vinegar.

3. Pour marinade over olives and let stand at least 2 hours (the flavor gets hotter the longer it stands).

*ADVANCE PREPRATION*

Lasts almost forever, covered and refrigerated

*VARIATION*

A Mediterranean-inspired hors d'oeuvre. 4 ounces Montrachet or Leazay goat cheese 1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp finely chopped cilantro (optional) 1 tsp medium salsa (or to taste) 1/2 tsp thyme 1 tsp olive oil Approximately 1/2 a French baguette, cut into 1/2 to 3/4 inch slices Morroccan Spiced Olives

1. Mash goat cheese with a fork. Add garlic, cilantro, salsa, thyme, and olive oil.

2. Spread goat cheese mixture on bread slices; top each with half a pitted marinated olive.

*RECOMMENDED WINE*

Enjoy with a glass of a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with noticeable character, one from California, Chile, or Spain.