Olive Tapenade

Recipe by Paula.
 
Olives awaken the appetite and go really well with a glass of wine. I rarely start a dinner party without serving olives in some way. My secret to making this bold and richly flavoured tapenade is anchovy. Don't skip the anchovy. Your guests will never guess they are in there and they add such great flavour to the tapenade. If you can't find Kalamata olives use any other strong tasting olives. Enjoy!

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients:

400 grams Kalamata olives, pitted
100 grams black olives, pitted
2 anchovy fillets
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried piri piri or red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon brandy (or more to taste)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is coarsely pureed.

2. Taste the tapenade and adjust it with more vinegar, piri piri or olive oil, if needed.

3. Keep the tapenade refrigerated until needed then bring it to room temperature before serving. Serve with fresh bread or crackers.