Marinated Olives with Goat Cheese and Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into short, thin strips

• 1/4 cup minced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, as desired

• 1 (6 oz.) can Lindsay® Ripe Pitted Olives, drained, halved

• 1/3 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as rosemary, parsley, and basil

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1 (4 oz.) log goat cheese, cut into thin slices

• 24 water crackers

Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.

2. Add red pepper, onion, garlic, and pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes.

3. Add olives. Simmer gently 5 minutes.

4. Remove skillet from heat and cool completely.

5. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.

6. Just before serving, stir herbs, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt into olive mixture.

7. Arrange sliced cheese over a serving platter.

8. Pour olive mixture over goat cheese. Serve with crackers.