Recipe #58: Kalamata Olive Tapenade

Last night I went out for drinks at one of our local pubs with some co-workers as well as my parents. It seemed that everyone was craving beer and fish n' chips at the end of the week! One of my co-workers is half Greek and both he and his fiance are from northern Indiana. Since my Dad is from Gary, IN they had a lot in common with one another. Even though they are from two completely different generations they are both very familiar with all of the different ethnic groups that has created a specific culture to "the region".

Well they both have a lot of stories that are directly affiliated with the Greek church and the Greek community.  So as the stories droned on I suddenly did not want fish n' chips anymore but I wanted some Greek cuisine. I will say there does seem to be a decent amount of Greek culture in Indianapolis with the Greek Festival every summer held at the Greek Orthodox Church as well as some great Greek restaurants.

Since we were at an Irish restaurant and I realized the Greek Festival does not take place until next month I wanted to get a small taste of Greek food while waiting for the Festival in just a few weeks! I got this recipe: http://www.mylifeasamrs.com/2011/07/kalamata-olive-tapenade.html and it was so easy to make thanks to my sister, who gave me a food processor. The tapenade tasted awesome and I think I'll bring this as an appetizer to my sister's place the next time she makes pastitsio.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup of Kalamata Olives (pitted)
* 1 Tbsp of Basil
* 1 Tbsp of Lemon Juice
* 2 Tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 3 Cloves of Garlic
* 1/4 tsp of Black Pepper






Cooking Directions:

In a food processor add all of the ingredients and blend until smooth.

Then serve with pita or baguette slices.