Warm Olives

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse in a strainer under running water: 1 cup olives with pits (use an assortment of flavors and colors).
2. 2
   Set aside to drain.
3. 3
   Heat, in a small heavy pan: 2 teaspoons olive oil.
4. 4
   Add the drained olives with: 1 garlic clove, peeled and quartered, 1 chile, fresh or dried, 3 thyme or savory sprigs, 2 strips of orange or lemon zest.
5. 5
   Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until the olives are warm all the way through.
6. 6
   Turn off the heat and leave them in the warm pan for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7
   Serve warm, if possible.
8. 8
   They can easily be reheated.
9. 9
   Substitute other herbs for the thyme or savory.
10. 10
    Add whole seeds such as fennel, cumin, caraway, or black mustard seed.
11. 11
    Add a few pinches of cayenne or paprika.