Warm Olives with Citrus

This is one of my absolute favorite appetizers to serve when people come over. Serve these warm with crusty bread or add them to a cheese board.

Warmed Olives in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 (11 ounce) jars of your favorite olives (I use Kalmata & cerignola)

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

2 teaspoons fennel seeds

3 sprigs Fresh thyme

3 cloves crushed whole garlic cloves

3 strips of fresh orange peel

2/3 high grade Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt to taste

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan.

Place the pan over medium heat and bring everything just to a gentle boil. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let the olives simmer.

Allow the olives to warm slowly so the flavors have time to meld together and infuse into the oil.

Taste and add salt if needed.

Serve warm.