Barcelona Style Olives

We are partying again this weekend, with the theme being “Old World/New World”, showcasing our pictures from both our trip to Spain, in Sept. 2023 and our recent trip to Cabo. I will find any reason to host a party and to celebrate. I LOVE to entertain, and I love to live and celebrate life. What better way to bring people together than with good food and good fun, right?! 🙂 I will be cooking foods from both Spain and Mexico and have prepared a photo slideshow set to Spanish Flamenco music for the evening’s entertainment. For the most part, I cannot make too much in advance, but I am preparing what I can in advance. One of those menu items was Barcelona style olives. Or rather, I should call them “Jeanne’s Barcelona styled olives”, because you all know I added my own personal touches. 🙂

Barcelona Style Olives

Olives are a huge part of the Spanish way of life, both as olive oil and the many different varieties of olives found all over Spain. There are millions of acres of different kinds of olive trees all over Spain. I love to mix and match my olives, and whenever I make something with olives, I almost always use a variety. Why just stop at one, when there are so many from which to choose?! 🙂

4 cups mixed olives

7 sprigs fresh thyme

4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped

1 TBSP garlic

1 TBSP orange zest

red pepper flakes to taste

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup lemon balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar

1/4 cup Peruvian peppers

1 roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded and chopped

Mix everything together well and chill until ready to use. The longer they set, the more the flavors will blend together, and the better they will taste. I took one taste before putting them in the refrigerator and my taste buds just melted. I will just have to wait a couple more days, and they will be even better. 🙂

This is just one of many fabulous foods I am preparing for this fun fiesta. I have a lot of good foods planned from both Spain and Mexico. It will be a good blending of both the old world and the new world. Usually I host our parties as potlucks, and love having everyone else bring something to share, but this time, I told everyone NOT to bring anything else. This one is ALL me. 🙂

If you don’t already have a reason to celebrate, make one up. Life is good, and we need to celebrate all that is good about life. Bring people together, have fun and celebrate. Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe, stay well, and have fun. ‘Til next time.