Like many gourmet supermarkets, ours has a large olive bar that entices us to scoop different varieties at each visit. Why not: Olives are a healthful, lower-calorie snack.

There’s a pitted spicy olive mix that we especially like to serve with drinks and toss into salads. We like the visual of different colors and sizes, but you can use whatever olives you like.

It’s also an easy-to-make gift to bring as a house gift. Here’s a recipe from Pompeian olive oil:
 
SPICY OLIVE RECIPE

Ingredients

1. COMBINE ingredients (except garnish) in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the olives with a slotted spoon and serve.

2. RESERVE the infused oil for a vinaigrette, or use it to store any leftover olives.