olives

I'm always looking for easy appetizers to throw together for an impromptu gathering. Inspired by PartySugar's scrumptious caprese skewers, I decided it was time to test out a Greek salad skewer. All it takes is a quick chop of ingredients and in about 20 minutes, I had a plate full of these delectable bites. The key is to make sure you have the right portion of each component — you don't want to overdo with the Feta or olives. A quick drizzle of olive oil and voilà, the easiest, freshest, and most flavorful killer app ever. It will surely impress your guests so keep reading for the simple recipe.

There are some recipes that I've made so many times that I don't consider them a recipe anymore; they are simply dishes that I know how to make. The funny thing is, the majority of these recipes I have yet to share here on YumSugar for that reason!

Thus today, instead of featuring a new recipe that I tested out, I'm going to share one I've made over and over again. It's the Pioneer Woman's (if you don't read her website you should, it's full of wonderful recipes) olive cheese bread. Part open-face sandwich and part French bread pizza, this dish is insanely easy and wonderfully satisfying. Basically you stir together olives, cheese, mayonnaise, and butter. Then, slather the mixture on French bread and bake until it's toasted and gooey.

I've enjoyed it as a side dish, eaten it alone, served it to a crowd, and brought it to a potluck. If you love cheese, olives, and crusty bread, you'll never get sick of this scrumptious side (or snack). Keep reading for her technique.

Who doesn't love a savory tart? For an afternoon brunch, I rolled up my sleeves to make a mouth-watering puff pastry tart topped with ricotta cheese, caramelized onions, and homemade olive tapenade. The anchovies are initially pungent, but once they reduce and caramelize with the onions, their flavor mellows immensely. If you're serving vegetarians, leave out the anchovies and salt the onions a little more heavily. The creamy ricotta cheese complements the crunchy crust and salty toppings. This tart is easily prepared ahead of time and then thrown in the oven to bake just before serving. Don't bother ordering a pizza; just make a savory tart at home. Keep reading for the recipe.

Quick-cooking chicken tenders are perfect for a busy night in between the holidays. Served on a bed of spinach and rice, this chicken is ideal for those who prefer dishes that aren't packed with potent flavors and exotic ingredients.

A simple pan sauce with olives, wine, and raisins is poured over the poultry. To make this dish more festive, consider using dried cranberries instead of raisins. Learn the procedure when you read more

The best and most filling salad recipes are ones that have lots of flavors, textures, and ingredients. For example, a salad that's packed with beets, fennel, olives, oranges, onions, and greens is complex enough to stand alone as a meal. It may take a little time to chop and prep the veggies, but the resulting salad is worth the effort. Serve with a slab of good cheese and a chunk of crusty bread, and you've got a dinner that's perfect for last-minute holiday entertaining.

Check out the vegetarian-friendly recipe and read more

After putting together an entire Thanksgiving meal, there's nothing more appealing than a quick simple chicken and pasta dinner. However, uncomplicated and hassle-free shouldn't mean bland and boring. This recipe combines six ingredients to make a innovative and delicious dish. With layers of ricotta cheese, large flat noodles, and seared chicken, it's kind of like a deconstructed lasagna. Don't leave out the olives because they add a punch of salty flavor. Are you intrigued by the sound of this updated chicken and pasta? Then check out the recipe and read more

Do you live alone? Are you a vegetarian? If you answered yes to both of those questions, I suggest you consider this omelet for dinner tonight. It's a perfectly healthy and delicious meal for one.

In this recipe, the filling is a mixture of garlic, tomatoes, spinach, and black olives, but an omelet can be made with just about any vegetable, herb, or cheese, so use the technique and get creative with the ingredients. To look at the simple and straight-forward method, read more

Nicoise salad buffs, meet the pan bagnat. This classic French sandwich also hails from Nice and features the same signature olives, plus oil-packed tuna (I prefer Genova), hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and anchovies, among other yummy ingredients.

Since I've been somewhat obsessed with all things French, I recently lunched at San Francisco's Cafe Claude to satisfy my pan bagnat craving. Learn how to replicate the recipe now.