Olive-caper Spread

Total Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 8 ounces black olives in brine, pitted (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juice and zest of, grated
• 3 small garlic cloves, minced
• fresh ground black pepper (about 5-6 turns of the grinder)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• salt

Recipe

• 1 in a food processor(or blender), place olives, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper. blend until a little chunky.
• 2 cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to blend for several hours.
• 3 return mixture to food processor and add red pepper flakes, basil, and capers; blend until mixture is smooth and spreadable. season with more salt to taste if desired.
• 4 refrigerate until serving(can be prepared 4 days ahead).
• 5 serve at room temperature with italian bread, crackers, pita toasts, etc. enjoy!