Olive Tapenade

Olive tapenade is a great spread to serve with crackers for an easy gourmet appetizer or hors d’oeuvres. This recipe, which uses two kinds of olives, making a nice color combination, adds to the appeal of the dish. This olive tapenade recipe is both vegetarian and vegan, and can be prepared in just a few minutes. You might also want to try this recipe for olive tapenade with sun dried tomatoes, or if you like spicy food, try this version of olive tapenade with peppers and hot sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/2 cup green olives
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Preparation:

In a food processor, simply process all ingredients for a few seconds, being careful not to process too finely, since tapenade should not be too smooth.

Serve with crackers, flatbread, baguette, or slices of toasted artisan bread.

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

This easy vegan bruschetta is made with fresh tomatoes and basil and drizzled with olive oil. No cheese is needed if you use fresh red ripe tomatoes and flavorful basil. As for the salt, any kind will do, but sea salt or kosher salt will give the best flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 slices French or Italian bread, lightly toasted
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 tsp sea salt or kosher salt

Preparation:

Combine tomatoes, oil, basil and salt in a covered bowl and let marinate at least 4 hours (do not refrigerate; tomatoes will lose their flavor).

Use a slotted spoon to layer on to bread. Serve immediately.

Spicy Vegetarian/Vegan Bean Dip

A classic vegetarian bean dip with spicy chilies and Tabasco sauce. Vegetarian bean dip is great for a casual vegetarian Super bowl or party appetizer. This vegetarian bean dip recipe is also vegan.

Ingredients:

• 1 – 28 ounce can vegetarian baked beans, drained
• 1 – 4 ounce can green chilies, diced
• 3 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp Tabasco sauce (or your favorite hot sauce to taste)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Tortilla chips
• Preparation:

Drain beans and add to blender. Add chilies, vinegar, chili powder, Tabasco, onion powder, salt and garlic powder blend until smooth. Pour into bowl and garnish with green onions.

Serve with tortilla chips.