I took a recent trip to our southern neighboring state to see what was “Fresh from California”  and to attend my 5th IFBC in Sacramento.  Northern California has the perfect climate to grow and produce a large selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and other products.  During an evening of “Taste of Sacramento” I stopped by to meet the folks from Lindsay Olives.  Usually when you say olives we all think of green and black olives.  My memories of olives are at the holidays and putting a black olive on every one of my fingers, playing with them before eating each from my little fingers.  I am starting that tradition now with my granddaughter and watching her enjoy olives just as much as I did.  But olives are not just for the holidays Lindsay Olives has a NEW Line of Simply Natural Olives in the traditional green and black but also some delicious blends of olives.  Check out some of the blends they will have:

Natural Italian Medley
Kalamata, Manzanilla and Queen olives mixed with a robust flavor combination of garlic and basil that is reminiscent of summertime on the Italian seaside.  These would be perfect on an Antipasto Platter.

Natural Mediterranean Medley
A simple combination of parsley, black pepper and garlic is the ultimate enhancement to a perfect assortment of queen, Kalamata and Manzanilla olives.  Toss these olives in a traditional Greek salad to add new layers of flavor.

Natural Spanish Blend
A hearty mix of garlic, paprika, marjoram, cumin and laurel leaves produce a bold and flavorful olive blend.  Toss these in a pasta salad or chop some up and add to your favorite frittata recipe.

Coming soon NEW Lindsay Party Picks … Entertaining made easy, these olives are already on a pick in the jar, just open and add to your Martini simple and easy.  Check out all the flavors they will have: Red Pepper, Spicy Veggies, Garlic, Sweet Veggie, Jalapeno, and hot Piri Piri Peppers.

Check out here all that Lindsay has to offer at ilovelindsay.com

Keep some Lindsay olives on hand just in case you have some family or friends that stop by.  Here is a quick and easy recipe you can throw together in minutes.

Warm Olives with Herbs
3 tablespoons CVR Arbequina Olive Oil
1 (6 oz.) can Lindsay Naturals California Black Ripe Pitted Olives, drained
1 (6 oz.) can Lindsay Naturals California Green Ripe Olives, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.  Add olives, garlic and thyme sprigs; saute 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through.  Remove from heat; stir in vinegar and pepper.  Serve warm or at room temperature.