Name: Olives and Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cold; 1 package (10 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices; 1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives; 1/3 cup pitted Greek olives; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (2 ounces) pimiento strips, drained and chopped; Toasted French bread baguette slices

This elegant marinated olives and cheese platter is a perfect appetizer for any occasion, especially one with an Italian-inspired menu. The arrangement is visually appealing and temptingly delicious, and it can be made entirely ahead of time.

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cold

1 package (10 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives

1/3 cup pitted Greek olives

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jar (2 ounces) pimiento strips, drained and chopped

Toasted French bread baguette slices

Instructions

1 Slice and arrange the cheeses and olives

2 Cut the cream cheese in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 1/4-inch slices. On a serving plate, arrange the cream cheese and the 1/4-inch slices of cheddar upright in a ring, alternating the two. Place the olives in the center.

3 Make the dressing and marinate

4 In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, olive oil, parsley, basil and garlic until blended, then drizzle the mix over the cheeses and olives. Sprinkle the pimientos over the top. Refrigerate the plate, covered, for at least eight hours or overnight. Serve with baguette slices.