Rustic Green and Black Olive Tapenade

I'm cooking with Kelly for our friend Hendrik's birthday party tonight and we decided on Italian Appetizers. One of the dishes that turned out really well was the Olive Tapenade. We are both big fans of this spread and we brought together both Green and Black Olives as green ones are my favorite and black ones are hers. We minced them fine as we had no Cuisinart and we added in some Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes too. The seasoning was fresh chopped Thyme and Oregano and just a pinch of Sugar to round out the flavors. It was a big hit with Crackers and Bruschetta (mine were Gluten Free of course!) I don't think I'll be buying Tapenade again as it was so easy to make and so delicious. I also liked the rustic nature of this spread so I'll be making it this way again soon!

Rustic Green and Black Olive Tapenade

1 cup Green Olives

1 cup Black Olives

1/4 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes packed in Olive Oil and drained

2 Garlic Cloves minced

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 teaspoon Sugar

1/2 teaspoon fresh Thyme, minced 

1/4 teaspoon fresh Oregano, minced

Mince the Green Olives, Black Olives and Sun Dried Tomatoes. Place in a bowl and add in the Garlic, Olive Oil, Thyme, Oregano and Sugar. Mix to blend well. Refrigerate for several hours so the flavors can meld.

Five Element Analysis

Olives belong to the Wood Element and so does Olive Oil so this is a very Woody Appetizer and Spread, especially when served with Wheat Bread and Crackers.  The Sun Dried Tomatoes contribute the Fire Element and the fresh and pungent herbs add the Metal Element. The Sugar brings in just a hint of the Earth Element but to balance the appetizer tray out, it would be a good idea to serve an Earthy food appetizer, like Marinated Mushrooms along with something Watery, like Salami or Prosciutto like we did to create a Five Element balance.