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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Weekends at Rubino's

I use to go to an Italian Deli called “Rubino’s” on the weekends with my aunt and my grandmother. I loved the smells in that place;” Big hanging sharp provolone cheeses and salamis” filled the air with their strong biting aromas. My aunt Mimi would always get a chunk of extra sharp provolone, some Genoa salami and those wrinkly black olives. Throw in a crusty loaf of bread and some kind of fruit and we had lunch.
My grandmother on the other hand always had to get a couple pounds of their olive salad. She would make herself sick she would eat so much of it, it really was addictive.
My special treat waited at the checkout. At the end of each checkout they had big glass canisters with little boxes of Torrone (Italian nougat). They had vanilla, lemon and orange all with almonds. I would always get one of each. Those not only were great times, they were also very tasty times.
I like making olive salad myself these days, it’s easy, it keeps a long time, and you can vary the ingredients and seasoning to your liking, plus it make s a handy impressive snack to have for family and friends when they stop by. Goes great with an ice cold beer or a glass of wine.

Olive Salad

3 jars Green olives, drained (get at least one pimento stuffed)
1 pound Kalamata olives, pitted
1 can of ripe black olives
1 medium jar of roasted red peppers
5 to 6 med. cloves of garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 sm. head celery, chopped (leaves included)
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
3 tbsp. Italian seasoning, crushed
3/4 cup olive oil
¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper
Does not need any salt

Mix all ingredients together and marinate at least 24 to 48 hours before serving.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

This olive salad looks great! I can't wait to try it, we are always on the look out for ways to eat olives.

Julie said...

Thanks cb, you'll enjoy this recipe.