I love going to parties. Catching up with friends and family, getting all dressed up, and eating lots of good food- what’s not to like? I even like hosting small get-togethers and I can’t wait until we get a bigger house, solely so that I can entertain more often!
Party food is definitely some of the best food. I’m particularly a huge fan of appetizers! I have a tendency to fill up on them before dinner is even served, but it’s hard to resist food that is typically bite-sized and delicious.
The same old choices get kind of tired, though, so I recently came up with two new appetizer recipes that I can’t wait to debut at my next party! {Bonus: one of them requires about three minutes to make. Three minutes. It’s the perfect option for drop-in guests any night of the week, too!}
Olive & Vinegar Bruschetta
Ingredients:
1 cup black olives, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 & 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp red wine vinaigrette salad dressing
Cilantro to taste & for garnish
Optional: Feta to taste
French bread baguette {sliced and toasted}
Directions:
1. Prepare and mix olives and vegetables in a medium-sized bowl.
2. In a small prep bowl, mix the oil, vinegar and vinaigrette. Pour over olives and vegetables and mix.
3. Toast slices of bread either in a toaster oven or under oven’s broiler.
4. Top toasted bread with vegetable mix.
5. If desired, top with cilantro and/or feta.
Three Minute Olive Spread
Ingredients:
2 cups pitted black olives
2 cups pitted green olives
1 tsp minced garlic {or more to taste}
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
Optional: Feta to taste
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Spread over sliced French bread {toasted in a toaster oven or broiled in the oven}. Optionally top with feta.
You may have noticed that both recipes contain olives and with good reason- they make for a great appetizer! They are a healthy choice, too- olives are a naturally sugar-free food and contain monounsaturated fats, which can improve cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. One serving of olives- about 7 large ones- contains about 35 calories and 2.5 grams of monounsaturated {“healthy”} fat.
Not all olives are created equal, though! Spain is the world leader in production and exports of table olives- did you know that most of the olives eaten here in the U.S. are from Spain? Spain’s sunny weather and rich, fertile soil produce the best olives, which are hand-picked one by one to avoid damaging the fruit. {Yes, olives are fruits!} Make sure that when you’re at the grocery store you turn over that tin to look for the Olives from Spain logo.
This month, Olives from Spain will head to Miami for the country’s premiere food festival. If you are lucky enough to attend the renowned South Beach Wine and Food Festival, be sure to stop by the Olives from Spain station to sample some tasty bites. The event is expecting approximately 18,000 attendees.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy olives?
Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Olives from Spain via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Olives from Spain or Momtrends.
Karen Glatt says
I make a recipe from the Pioneer Women’s cookbook for Olive Loaf and it is so delicious! I like your brushetta recipe and i will have to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Sherri says
Not a fan of green olives but I love black olives. I wonder how it would do to use all black?
Sarah L says
I love olives in anything. Love the 3 minute recipe.
Natalie says
My parents love bruschetta! I will have to make this recipe for them.
Becky at Cooking with Vinyl says
This looks delish. I love bruschetta, so thank you for sharing this recipe. I’m a new food blogger and found you on a link party. I’ve followed your social sites and hope we can connect on those. Can’t wait to read more of your blog. Becky
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Hi These appetizers look amazing. I might have to add them to my Easter line up or sooner if I have a reason to. Feel free to drop by and share your recipe at my party if you care to.
CJ Huang says
I’ve made bruschetta before, but it didn’t look nearly as good as yours! I’m going to have to try it out. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us on Inspire Me Monday. Hope to see you again next week!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Both of those look delicious! Thanks for linking up at Best of the Weekend!
Cathy says
This looks delicious and the perfect app for a big or small crowd! I love the flavor combo happening here, it has my mouth watering! 🙂 Saying hello from the best recipes and DIY projects link party! 🙂
Cathy
Lindsay Eidahl says
I think this looks so amazing! Amazing!