1 lemon zested
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 shallot sliced
4-5 sprigs of thyme
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1-2 sheets of feta broken into large pieces (about 10 ounces)
Grilled bread slices
Place the olives in a bowl with the lemon zest. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, combine the olive oil, whole garlic cloves, crushed red pepper flakes, sliced shallot and thyme. Cook until the garlic starts to sizzle, about 1-2 minutes, then reduce heat to low and continue to cook for 20 minutes. Remove pan from heat, add the crushed olives and lemon zest and let steep for 1 hour. Pour oil over the feta at least 20 minutes before serving. (can be combined to marinate for up to 48 hours) Serve with grilled thinly sliced bread for an appetizer