Appetizers have almost become de rigeur at social events. Here’s an appetizer that can be whipped up in moments and which will taste differently every time it’s served, depending on the proportion of each of the individual ingredients. You can change it up by including artichokes or marinated mushrooms, but those additions will alter the taste quite a bit. I would also caution against being too enthusiastic and adding “just one more” clove of garlic. The longer the dip sits, the more the garlic permeates the mixture. Trust me when I say that on the second day, the garlic taste can be quite powerful. Start with one clove; if you like the taste, add more the next time you make it.
Serve on crackers, celery, or click here to make baguettes or a focaccia as a base for the aioli. Here are more Appetizer options.
Red Pepper/Olive Aioli – all ingredients and proportions according to personal taste
Marinated roasted red peppers
Kalamata olives, pitted
Marinated sun-dried tomatoes
Capers (very pungent and salty, so beware)
Garlic (you were forewarned, remember)
Basil, Oregano or preferred herbs
Pepper