These are inspired by Patricia Wells’ “Chanteduc Rainbow Olive Collection” in her wonderful book “The Provence Cookbook.” It is best to use olives that have not been pitted.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled, green shoots removed, thinly sliced
  • Strips of rind from 1 lemon (preferably organic)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 2 cups imported olives (black, green or a mix) (about 3/4 pound)
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (12 servings)

      76 calories; 7 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 209 milligrams sodium

    • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

2 cups, serving 12

Preparation

  1. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, bay leaves and garlic in a small saucepan and heat just until warm over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon rind, thyme, rosemary and fennel seeds.
  2. Place the olives in a wide mouthed jar and pour in the olive oil mixture. Shake the jar to coat the olives. Refrigerate for two hours or for up to two weeks. Shake the jar a few times a day to redistribute the seasonings.
  • Advance preparation: These will keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator.

Dining and Cooking