Artichoke, Cheese and Olive Antipasto

SUBMITTED BY: MBUENZLI

"A great way to start your Italian meal! I usually serve it with crusty bread slices that have been toasted in the oven until crisp for dipping into the marinade. Keeps for a week in the refrigerator and the longer it stands the better it gets!"

Original recipe yield:8 Servings
PREP TIME 30 Min
COOK TIME 3 Hrs
READY IN 3 Hrs 30 Min

INGREDIENTS
3 (6.5 ounce) jars marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and sliced
1 (15 ounce) can black olives, drained
1 pound smoked provolone cheese, diced
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
8 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour the jars of artichoke hearts with their liquid into a 1 1/2 quart or larger container with a tight sealing lid. Add the bell peppers, black olives, and provolone cheese.



2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over the ingredients in the container. Seal the lid, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, shaking gently about once per hour.



3. To serve, allow the mixture to come to room temperature. Soon onto serving plates, and top with basil shreds as a garnish.