Marinated Cheese, Tomato and Olive

• 26 pieces each of:
• Cubed White Cheese - Mozzarella, Cheddar, Havarti
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
• Large Pitted Green Olives, Pimiento stuffed or not.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1/8 to 1/4 dried hot pepper flakes or a large pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon each of dried Oregano and dried Basil
• About 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1. In a bowl with a tight fitting lid, add marinade ingredients and stir to combine.
2. Add Cheese cubes and olives. Put the lid on and shake well.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (can be longer - up to 24 hours), shaking bowl every once in a while.
4. When ready to assemble, bring olives and cheese to room temperature for about 15 minutes to melt the olive oil which will have solidified in the fridge, and add the tomatoes.
5. Stir or shake to completely cover them in the marinade.
6. Thread an olive, a tomato and piece of cheese onto skewers, with the cheese on the bottom so they'll stand upright, or offer separately in three bowls, with tooth picks on the side.
7. These may be served right away, or kept in the fridge until ready. Again, allow to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes because olive oil solidifies when refrigerated.

Notes:
These are quick to make but need enough time for the pieces to marinate (12 to 24 hours).

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