This will be the first in several posts on Thanksgiving meal ideas, hope you enjoy and feel free to send in your favorites or any ideas you would like to share. We begin with the Antipasti (before the meal). Olives are always a great and wonderful addition to any mealtime. Baking olives with just a few chosen herbs and spices brings out their earthy flavor. This is a great addition to any party, or an antipasto tray. We always have some olives in the refrigerator to snack on, and if friends stop by for a glass of wine, seasoned olives can be added to a tray of cheese and crackers to nibble on. I used oil cured olives in the photo, but any good quality black olive would work well.

8 Ounces Imported Black Olives
4 Cloves Garlic, Peeled And Halved
1/2 Lemon, Thinly Sliced
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds
1 Teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
Pinch Red Hot Pepper Flakes (Optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together the olives with the other ingredients, and spread them out on a baking tray. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring a couple of times during the cooking process. Transfer to a serving dish, and serve warm or at room temperature.