Trio of Spanish Nibbles Olives, Almonds amp; Chickpeas

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed good-quality olives
• 3 -4 slices orange peel
• 3 -4 slices lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed 1/3 palm full
• 2 -3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups marcona almonds or 2 cups toasted peeled whole almonds
• 2 15 ounce cans chickpeas rinsed and drained
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Make a double layer pouch of foil for the olives Add citrus peel red pepper flakes and fennel seeds to olives then top with olive oil Seal the pouch and shake it to distribute the spices and oil Place in hot oven at any temperature or on outdoor grill to heat them through
• Place the almonds in a small decorative serving dish
• Place chick peas in a medium skillet over medium heat and cook 15 minutes until crisp and dry In the last 5 minutes season the chick peas with paprika salt and pepper If you season them up too soon the paprika will blacken and become bitter
• Place the chick peas in a small serving bowl
• Place the olives on a platter and cut the pouch open to expose them Place the small serving dishes for nuts and chick peas on the platter alongside olives Place a ramekin or other small cup out to collect olive pits