To toast in the New Year

About this time of year I begin to contemplate what was .........

as I bid farwell to my three wise men ............

as I contemplate taking down the tree .........

Thoughts turn to festive fare and intrigue as to what the new year will hold . As New Years Eve is nearly upon us , I needed to think up something quick and festive to make as an appetiser for our fun filled night , to be spent with friends. It is the one day of the year when we all stay up - way past our bed time , when the girls have impressed me with their stamina - the record so far is 2.30am . Mum and Dad needed toothpicks to keep the eyelids open .

After much over indulgence in the past few weeks and way too many sweet things , I begin to crave something tangy and moorish to be enjoyed with some wonderful company and Pink Prosecco .

Behold, GG Green and Black Olive Tapenade , a sinch to put together and lots of wow factor .You can toast your own pita or naan bread as an accompaniment , serve it with fresh crunchy peppers, or celery sticks . Also, check out the Smitten Kitchen website ( one of my favourite blogs) and look at the yummy homemade cracker recipes.

GG Green Olive and Black Olive Tapenade

inspired by many recipes

1 cup pitted kalamata olives

1 cup pitted green olives

1 small clove garlic

scant handful of flat leaf parsley - no stems

scant handful of walnuts , lightly oven roasted

juice of 1 lemon or to taste

olive oil

freshly ground black pepper

Lightly roast the walnuts in a 400F oven , until just toasted and allow to cool .

Place all the ingredients in a food processor except the olive oil and pulse a few times . Then add enough olive oil until it holds its shape .

Taste and adjust seasoning by adding some more lemon juice or olive oil .

Serve wither with some fresh vegetables or toasted pita/naan bread.

Allow flavours to develop in the fridge overnight .

Enjoy