This is a great appetizer, snack or can even be used as
a sandwich spread.


INGREDIENTS;:

1 can or jar (6 oz.) pitted ripe black olives, drained
  (Note:  Sometimes the can may say 12.8 oz. or somewhere
   around there.  Basically you're looking for something
   about the size of a standard Campbell's soup can.)

1 can or jar (10 oz.) sliced salad olives with pimentos, drained
  (Note:  Same as above. Can also use whole, pitted olives
   stuffed with pimentos.)

1 can or jar (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained
  (Note:  Same as above.)

4 Tbsp olive oil

Contents of 1 pouch of Gourmet Village's Artichoke & Olive 
   Tapenade seasoning mix.  Get at Nunu's, your local gourmet
   food store or http://www.gourmetduvillage.com

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Put all ingredients in hand chopper or food processor.

2.  Chop/process to desired consistency.  If using a food
    processor, used very short pulses or the mix will turn
    into mush very quickly.

3.  Serve on toasted baguette slices or with toasted pita
    or flat bread points.


MARK'S TIPS:

Even if you don't have the Gourmet Village Olive Tapenade
spice packet, you can eat/serve this without it.  Or you
can add your own spices such as the following:

onion powder
garlic powder
basil
thyme
oregano
Italian Seasoning
Greek Seasoning

Be careful if using a spice mix - many contain additional salt
and you can easily overpower the naturally salty olives.

I do NOT recommend using Kalamata olives as they are cured
in a salty brine and therefore, are too salty for this mix.

Toss the artichoke hearts in olive oil and grill before 
processing for an additional flavor variation.

For additional spices, try http://www.penzeys.com.  They
have some of the best spices around and many mixes come without
added salt.  Prices are reasonable, customer reps are very
helpful and they ship quickly.  I get all my spices exclusively
from them.


Mark McGinness
Oklahoma City
Revision 20150720

Don't miss St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church's
HUGE annual Mediterranean food festival every late October/
early November.  Go mark your calendar now and listen to the radio 
and TV or check their website or call the Church directly for dates 
& times. Be sure to take the Church tour and see the exquisite 
Byzantine iconography. Many of the members make delicious desserts 
like this that are for sale in the "Culinary Cupboard," but they 
almost sell out the first day, so go early the first day of the 
festival for the best selection.
http://www.stelijahokc.com
On Facebook, search for "St. Elijah Annual Food Festival"
http://www.antiochian.org
http://www.ancientfaith.com
405-755-7804
SE corner of NW 150th and N. May Ave.

And don't forget their sister church's festival every September:
Greekfest at St. George Greek Orthodox Christian Church
West side of N. Pennsylvania Ave. at NW 145th St.
http://www.saintgeorgeokc.org/
http://greekfestokc.com/
http://www.goarch.org
405-751-1885

For great Mediterranean food like you get at the festival,
eat at Nunu's Mediterranean Cafe and Market on westbound 
Memorial, 1/4 mile west of the May intersection.  Nunu is 
a member of St. Elijah's as are most of the employees and 
I used to cook there - tell them I sent you.  Warning - 
if you go during peak hours you'll have a good wait because
the place is very popular. Saturdays are always busy and 
they are closed on Sunday.  
Hours:  Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm, closed Sunday.