Edible gifts. Marinated olives

I love to marinate olives, because I can make all the flavors in the world. This one is a classic of mine that needs clean, brine-soaked olives with no additives so that they are clean in taste and ready to soak up all of the flavours. This makes a great gift alone or together with liver pâté and marinated feta. Some bread or crackers and the gift is ready. 

Ingredients

400 g mixed olives, crushed with the flat side of the knife
2 sprigs rosemary, crushed in a mortar and pestle*
3 sprigs thyme, crushed in a mortar and pestle *
2 bay leaves, crushed in a mortar and pestle
4 large peeled garlic cloves, crushed in a mortar and pestle
1 organic lemon zest, cut into strips
1 tsp fennel seeds
tiny bit of chilli flakes
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
250 ml mild extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp crushed black pepper

Prepare

Place olives with everything, except the oil, into a jar. Pour over olive oil, close the lid, and leave to marinate for 3 days. Decorate the jar as you wish for gifting. 

If you are giving the cheese as a gift on the first day, add a note: “The cheese should be consumed no earlier than ….... Please take out of the fridge an hour before serving”. 

* You have to do this to release some of the oils and aromas of the herbs. 

Recipe and pictures: Signe Meirane
Camera: Sony Alpha 7s
Plates, table and Christmas decorations: HM Home
Place: Sukņu stacija, Riga, Maskavas 196