fine dining experience

Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring

We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cold
  • 1 package (10 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
  • 1/3 cup pitted Greek olives
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (2 ounces) pimiento strips, drained and chopped
  • Toasted French bread baguette slices

Directions

  1. Cut cream cheese lengthwise in half; cut each half into 1/4-in. slices. On a serving plate, arrange cheeses upright in a ring, alternating cheddar and cream cheese slices. Place olives in center.