Once you have a family, you honestly do live by the calendar (Gymnastic and swim meets, school functions, bake sales) so I thought it was absolutely brilliant when my pal, Kelsey, The Naptime Chef, wrote her second cookbook based on the calendar.
Her book ‘The Family Calendar Cookbook: From Birthdays to Bake Sales, Good Food to Carry You Through the Year” is organized by seasons and in addition to the fantastic meal plans, Kelsey has included economical presentation tips, and crafting activities.
I choose to make, and share with you, the Marinated Olives recipe from the ‘Homemade Gifts’ season of the book. I choose this recipe because my husband and daughter are obsessed with olives. Plus, being summer, I want fun, quick and easy.
My daughter made this recipe with me, and after we made the first batch, she begged to make another batch.
Ingredients:
Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
8 garlic cloves, thinly slices
1 1/2 Tablespoons red pepper flakes
2 cups of extra-virgin olive oil
8 cups of green, or your favorite, olives
8 8-ounce jars
Directions:
1. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the lemon zest and juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
Heat the mixture for about 3 minutes to infuse the oil. Do not let the garlic brown. Remove it from the heat and stir
the olives. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes before proceeding.
2. Set the eight sterilized 8-ounce jars glass jars on the counter. These could be canning jars, or decorative wide mouth jars.
Scoop one cup of the olives into each jar. Top off with the infused oil.
3. Seal the jars and place the olives in the refrigerator. Refrigerated, they will last for up to three months.
Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Wouldn’t this make a fun teacher’s or best friend gift?
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