Queso Manchego con Almendras y Aceitunnas Verdes

(Manchego with Almonds and Green Olives)

 

Shelley Wiseman adapted by Michael McCabe

 

http://goodiesfirst.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b77469e200e553bd36e18833-500wi

 

Servings: 12

 

Notes:

 

This mix is everything you want with a drink—a little bit salty, but with a nice variety of textures and flavors.

 

Arbequina olives are small, brownish green olives mostly grown in Catalonia, but also in Aragon, Andalusia and even Argentina. Manzanilla olives may be substituted.

 

Picholine olives are salt-brine cured green olives from Provence, they are usually marinated with coriander and herbes de Provence.

 

Olives can be marinated for 3 days (flavor will improve).

 

Cuisine: Spanish

 

Categories: Antipasti/Tapas, Cheese, Hor D'Oeuvres, Marinated, Nuts, Served Room Temp, Vegan, Vegetable

 

Source: July, 2008 issue of Gourmet

 

Copyright: 2008

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1 pound pitted green olives (preferably arbequina or picholine) (2 2/3 cups)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

6 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

2 (3-by 1-inch) strips orange zest, thinly sliced crosswise

2 turkish bay leaves, halved

3/4 pound manchego cheese, rind cut off and cheese cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1/4 pound toasted almonds (marcona preferred) (3/4 cup)

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Hardware

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medium serving bowl

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     In a medium serving bowl, toss olives with oil, garlic, zest, and bay leaves and marinate, covered and chilled, at least 8 hours or for up to 3 days (flavor will improve the longer the olives marinate).

 

     Bring olives to room temperature. Discard bay leaves and garlic, then toss olives with cheese and sprinkle almonds on top.

 

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