TAPENADE.- A very flavorful olive spread!

TAPENADE: This Provencal dish, named for the capers it contains (tapenos the Provencal name for capers), is a dish consisting of olives, anchovies, capers, olive oil and lemon juice or all the flavors of  the South of France where it's a popular dish among the locals. It's usually served as an appetizer with a good baguette and some wine but there are also other dishes like using to stuff poultry.

Dishes using olives and anchovies date back thousands of years to Roman Times and since then it's been a staple for many people. Another one of our favorites and when I find great baguettes, which I did today, I make it a point to make some Tapenade for everyone to enjoy.

A very easy recipe and your ingredients are easily kept in your pantry so a quick snack can be had in a flash. Here's what you will need:

1/2 lb olives, pitted. You can use green, black, mixed, stuffed, etc.
2 Anchovy fillets, rinsed
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbls Capers, I also use some of the liquid
3-4 Basil leaves, chopped
1-2 Tbl lemon juice, fresh squeezed
2 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Put all ingredients into food processor and process for 1-2 minutes until a thick paste is formed. Place in a serving dish and enjoy!

NOTE: As I mentioned, any type of olive can be used as long as you like it. I like a mixed lot. Today I used Anchovy stuffed olives! Plus we love it lemony so you can add or put less of any ingredient. You can also add Red Pepper Flakes or Hot Sauce or Hot Peppers if you like. Play around with it until you get the perfect mix of flavors.

I hope you will try this quick recipe and then you'll sit back and enjoy it with baguette slices or crackers or toast points or whatever you'd like to use. Relax and sabor your handiwork. Enjoy!