Gin-Marinated Cheese & Olives
For those who order extra garnish in their martini to snack on, this recipe is for you. Feel free to customize what you add to the gin-laced brine; olives, blanched pearl onions or even grapes would all be delicious. This recipe is perfect as part of a charcuterie board, added to a green salad as something special or enjoyed straight from the jar. Serve this dish with Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin.Ingredients
Serves 8
4 oz (110 g) feta, cut into bite-sized cubes
4 oz (110 g) havarti, cut into bite-sized cubes
4 oz (110 g) baby bocconcini
½ cup (125 ml) green olives stuffed with blue cheese
¾ cup (180 ml) olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) olive brine
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely grated lemon zest
1 tsp (5 ml) fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) red pepper chili flakes
2 oz (60 ml) gin
Instructions
- In a large Mason jar (about 16 oz/500 ml), combine feta, havarti, bocconcini and stuffed olives.
- In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, olive brine, lemon zest, thyme leaves, chili flakes and gin. Pour into Mason jar, secure lid and gently shake to combine marinade with cheeses and olives. Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 5 days. Allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before enjoying.